India on anthrax alert

Government ministries have been placed on alert

By Alastair Lawson in Delhi

The Indian Home Minister, LK Advani, has ordered the home and defence ministries to be on a state of maximum alert against the possibility of a bio-terrorism attack.

In a press briefing on Friday, Mr Advani said that government departments needed to remain vigilant.

The home minister's warning has coincided with a series of suspected anthrax attacks over the last few days, all of which were false alarms.

While the authorities in India stress that there is no need to panic, local and central government agencies are becoming more and more worried.

A close watch has been ordered on all international mail, and there are reports that hospitals have been ordered to stock up on drugs that can be used to treat anthrax victims.

Factories that make such drugs have stepped up production, even though few doctors in the country have diagnosed an anthrax poisoning case.

No experience

The problems of the authorities are compounded by the lack of knowledge in dealing with anthrax atttacks.

Well meaning but poorly-trained police in Delhi have been removing suspicious looking letters and parcels from homes and offices without wearing masks or gloves.

They have been criticised in the media for causing much disruption as they decide what to do in such cases.

The failure of the police to seal off houses and offices when removing suspicious looking mail has led to accusations that they have exposed the public to unnecessary risk.

Steps

The authorities have now ordered a series of intensive but brief training courses so that paramedics and police are better trained to deal with such attacks.

It has now been proposed that all suspicious looking letters and parcels should be passed on to the National Institute of Communicable Diseases.

The central government is also reported to be discussing the formation of a board of biological warfare which will be headed by a prominent scientist.