Indian culture can stop swine flu, says Haryana minister

Haryana health minister Anil Vij seems to have found a novel way of promoting Indian culture through the swine flu panic.

Haryana health minister Anil Vij seems to have found a novel way of promoting Indian culture through the swine flu panic.

Responding to questions in the state assembly on Tuesday, he said, “Angreziat ko chodo bhartiyata ko apnao, hath milane ki bajaye hath jod kar abhivadan karo”.
(Shun foreign culture and adopt our own culture. Instead of handshakes, greet each other with folded hands).

Vij emphasised that precautions may help much more than efforts by healthcare providers.

Advisories released by various health agencies have been suggesting that people should avoid shaking hands and visiting crowded places to prevent the spread of swine flu infection.

Vij added that the state government is concerned with the increased cases of the disease and taking measures to curb its spread. This year, 252 positive swine flu cases have been reported in Haryana with 27 deaths. Also 17,079 tamiflu tablets of different strengths have been distributed in the state.

Besides these, ventilators have been made available in both government and private hospitals for treating flu patients.