Modi holds all-party meeting on swine flu

Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi today held an all-party meeting to discuss an action plan for tackling deadly swine flu, which has already claimed two lives in the state.

In the meeting, it was decided to launch a public awareness campaign across the state on swine flu and how it is contracted.

"We will launch a public awareness campaign for swine flu in the state," Principal Secretary, Health, Ravi Saxena said.

Leader of Opposition Shaktisinh Gohil said the central government has already dispatched tablets and kits for testing swine flu as demanded by the state.

"I have suggested that the state government should avoid large scale celebrations of Independence Day and forthcoming Navaratri festival as it would spread the virus further," Gohil said, adding even NRGs (Non-Resident Gujaratis) should not be invited for such events this year due to the epidemic.

He also suggested that school children should not be asked to compulsorily attend public functions because children are generally more vulnerable for contracting such virus.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister Keshubhai Patel, stressed on the role of Ayurveda and other alternative therapies in prevention of such diseases.