Pune, Aug 9 - Upset with the remarks of union Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, the family of 14-year-old Reeda Shaikh, India's first swine flu fatality, has demanded that he either apologise or resign for saying that Reeda could have spread the disease to 80 others while changing hospitals during treatment.

'We want an apology from the government. He (Azad) has hurt a mother... he has blamed our child, Reeda for having infected 80 others by going to four hospitals. He needs to get his facts right,' Reeda's emotional mother told reporters here Sunday.

Referring to Reeda, Azad had said earlier, 'One small girl went from one hospital to another, then the third and then a fourth hospital to get treatment, and without awareness which is crucial. In the process some 80 people were infected.'

'This little girl who has no social contacts nor does she go to parties transmitted the virus in the course of seeking treatment,' he told reporters Sunday.

Infuriated by the statement, Reeda's aunt Ayesha Shaikh said: 'Our child sacrificed her life for the nation. Because of her death, so many people went for the swine flu test and have tested positive. No one wants another Reeda in their family. Everyone wants their child safe.'

'We want an apology or resignation from Azad otherwise we will go to the prime minister and seek his resignation,' she added.