As of 26th March, there were 33,269 people affected with swine flu in India and nearly 2000 deaths from the virus. There have been at least 12 reported cases in Goa with two deaths reported. A former CM is infected and there seems no concern both at Centre and state governments.
Last time round in 2010 when the cases and deaths were 20,604 and 1763 respectively, there were checks at road borders, airports and railway stations to ensure affected people were quarantined so that it did not spread further.
We have several thousand tourists coming in from Gujarat where there are 6500 cases and from Maharashtra where 4340 cases have been reported. They frequent public places and eateries where the virus can easily spread. Is the government concerned or are we waiting for a some more deaths?
The Health Minister’s lack of concern for the health of the citizen is highly regrettable and must be condemned by all and especially the Opposition and civil society.
Eric Pinto, Alto Porvorim
