Reportedly as countries around the world struggle to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus strain, India’s Ministry of ayurveda, yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, Sowa Rigpa and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has sparked controversy with the release of an advisory. The advisory, released on tuesday, is titled 'Homoeopathy for Prevention of corona virus Infections' and 'Unani Medicines useful in symptomatic management of corona virus infection'. Doctors say that in addition to being ill-timed, the unscientific advisory could be damaging to persons who may experience symptoms.
Furthermore coronavirus has claimed 132 lives in china where it originated, as per reports, as of Tuesday. Reportedly with scientists as yet unable to assess the exact cause of the virus' origin from wuhan in Hubei province, fear-mongering regarding the virus has been going viral on social media over the past week. Perhaps thousands remain in quarantine in china, even as hundreds around the world in at least 16 countries are under observation for symptoms. Countries have stepped up vigil at airports and public places, screening passengers flying in from China.
Apparently several doctors have reacted to the government’s announcement, strongly condemning its decision to back non-allopathic practices in light of the recent outbreak. One General Practitioner from chennai stated “We haven’t confirmed any cases in india so far and we should take proper measures as issued by the WHO for screening and prevention. While things like washing hands frequently and other basic hygiene measures are good things on the list, it’s a little presumptive of them to back Ayurvedic measures in view of an outbreak. There’s so much we don’t know about this virus or its spread".
