These are indians at their worst looking out only for themselves. used masks lie abandoned on the roads and pose a risk to our lives.
These are indians at their worst looking out only for themselves. used masks lie abandoned on the roads and pose a risk to our lives.
They are tipped as the best bet to prevent contracting swine flu. Yet, surgical masks may end up being the biggest health hazard to citizens.
That's because used masks are abandoned on the streets in large quantities and could end up taking people's lives.
Dr Avinash Bhondve, former president, Indian Medical Association, said, "Surgical masks that are thrown on the roads pose a grave risk.
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Mumbai
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Risky: A used mask lies abandoned at the Kasturba Hospital where citizens make a beeline to get tested for swine flu. |
The H1N1 virus gets embedded in the mask and can stay up to eight hours. If anybody touches such a mask, there is every possibility of them getting infected with the virus."
He added that the best way to dispose a used mask is to burn it.
Arun Jamkar echoed Bhondve's views and said these masks could end up infecting people with the deadly H1N1 virus if they are carelessly thrown on roads or dustbins.
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Pune
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Discarded: Thousands queue up at Naidu Hospital in Pune and face the risk of contracting swine flu because of this mask. |
Since these masks are light, they get carried to places because of the air and endanger others.
Hospitals too unsafeFour people have died due to swine flu and 265 cases of the virus have been reported in Pune.
Thousands of people, wearing masks, stand in long queues for several hours every day at Naidu Hospital and the Sassoon General Hospital to get themselves tested for the deadly H1N1 virus.
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DANGEROUS: Used masks abandoned on the streets could end up taking people's lives. |
But used masks can be seen scattered everywhere in the vicinity of the hospitals.
The masks are distributed for free at Naidu Hospital and thrown by citizens after standing in the queue. Many have symptoms of swine flu like cough and cold. The scene is not different at Mumbai's Kasturba Hospital.
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Though people cover their faces with handkerchiefs and masks, many can be seen scattered in the compound.
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The green-coloured masks are available at Rs 3 at medical stores, but are being sold for Rs 30 by unscrupulous people on the roadside in unhygienic conditions.
Abhay Joshi, an interior decorator, said, "The masks are sold at a premium, but it's a small price to pay for one's safety. I don't mind buying them."
An office bearer of the Chemists Association of Pune said more than 8 lakh masks have been sold and orders have been placed for new ones.
800 plus
Number of H1N1 cases in India, according to health officials
1,62,000
Reported cases of H1N1 across the globe
