Kathmandu: Nepal's ruling party member Ramnath Dhakal on Sunday passed away at a hospital after suffering from deadly swine flu virus.

Communist Party of Nepal (UML) politburo member Dhakal was tested positive for H1N1 virus last week and he died at the Grande International Hospital here during the course of treatment, according to the party sources.

The former lawmaker was admitted to the hospital on Friday after being diagnosed with swine flu.

Mortal remains of Dhakal will be kept at the party office in Balkhu, located on the outskirts of Kathmandu, for paying final tributes.