Experts at IIM-A meet disagree with Health ministry,say no harm in assemblies or festivities

Professor Dileep Mavalankar,one of the main organisers,said the major conclusion drawn from the workshop was that prohibition of congregations were not needed,as the recent festivities in various states have resulted in no sudden rise in the number of flu cases.

“We have compiled the report but we are circulating it among the participants to verify if their viewpoints have been correctly presented,” he said. “But so far,it is clear that discouraging assemblies in schools or social gatherings is not needed.”

The workshop was attended by state Health Minister Jay Narayan Vyas,professors and doctors from various institutes like Public Health Foundation of India,Delhi,the Indian Public Health Association,NHL Medical College,BJ Medical College as well as senior government officials.

The Health and Family Welfare ministry has issued certain guidelines to prevent swine flu. Like if the infection is widespread,then schools and colleges would be closed; mass gatherings such as festivals; sporting,religious and political events would be prohibited.

As per the state health department,a total of 118 people in Gujarat have been tested positive for H1N1,of which nine died and 15 are undergoing treatment at various hospitals across the state.