'Confidentiality has been broken'

Bangaloreans think the govt is right in curbing information about swine flu victims

Bangaloreans think the govt is right in curbing information about swine flu victims

This is one gag order that's brought more relief than resistance.

Bangaloreans, on the whole, are happy with the state government's decision to not reveal details of swine flu victims to avoid panic. MiD DAY spoke to a government official, doctors and the man on the street to find out the pulse of the people.

"By not divulging information about the dead person, the government was trying to avoid panic that is often created when a death takes place.

Still a pain! Swine flu issues

We are not hiding any information from the public and henceforth, whatever information is given will be just adequate."
Vasudev Murthy, government official in the health department

"It is wrong for the government to not divulge details. But, if the government thinks any information can affect public psyche, they have the right to do so. The government needs to open up channels with the right kind of information and the media needs to remove the prevailing confusion. This will, in turn, stop the panic that's a result of "unnecessary propaganda" by persons not authorised to speak on this issue."
Dr Kushal Kumar, professor, SDM College, Ujire
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"More people are dying from other diseases like dengue but it is not being reported.u00a0
So, why make such a big issue about this which is less dangerous when compared to others?"
Dr R Shashikanth, St Martha's Hospital

"The entire problem and fear has been created by the media. Out of a population of six crore in the state, only 38 deaths have been reported. Ethically, we have gone against our cardinal rule by giving out too much information. The doctor-patient confidentiality has been broken here."
Dr Oliver Rodrigues, general practitioner

"Giving details of patients is digging too much into their privacy. Why do we need a dead patient's details? It is helpful to know how many are affected, not who got it."
Deepak Kulkarni, insurance advisor

"Divulging such information will create havoc for the family members, especially at a time when they have lost a loved one."
Pranita Vanam, MNC employee

"Spreading information will have a psychological effect on the person if he or she is isolated at home.
They tend to suffer more from this than from the disease itself and feel they have done some wrong."
Anil Raj, MNC employee

"Details will make people more aware of the problem. Instead of creating panic, there will be a trickling down of awareness from one person to another.
It is only through exchange of information like word of mouth and networking sites that people can be prepared."
Pradeep Nagapudi, MNC employee