While some homoeopathic doctors in Vadodara have come up with newspaper advertisements for preventive medicines, the Ahmedabad unit of the Homoeopathic Medical Association of India (HMAI) will conduct a seminar on Wednesday to create awareness about swine flu: its prevention and treatment.

“Around 20 to 30 homoeopathy practitioners will meet in Ahmedabad to discuss ways to deal with the panic situation arising out of swine flu and the role of homoeopathy in its treatment,” said Dr Kalpesh Yagnik, president, HMAI, Ahmedabad.

Private companies too are making most out of the situation to promote their products. Organic India, a Lucknow-based herbal products company has come up with ‘swine flu care kit’ at a price of Rs 530. The company has started advertising the kit on various websites including their own. The advertisement claims that the herbal antibiotic is a strong anti-viral agent and immuno-modular, which kills bacteria and fungi.

Despite repeated attempts the company officials could not be contacted. Other small entrepreneurs have also put up newspaper advertisements, claiming that their herbal products give protection from swine flu. In Vadodara, a smalltime entrepreneur has claimed that homoeopathy can be used to build up the immune system to keep flu at bay. Meanwhile, the government has acquired Tamiflu that is administered to patients testing positive with the flu.

Homoeopathy Health Centre in Vadodara has come up with a special 15-day course in order to prevent swine flu.

Dr Khushbu Thakkar of the centre said, “The course would help people build a strong immune system. It would also treat cough, cold and fever. The 15-day course costs Rs 100.”