Western MNCs’ conspiracy behind bird flu, says CPM

NEW DELHI: Is there a western conspiracy behind bird flu outbreak? Is the panic reaction to the epidemic manipulated by western multinational companies to rake in quick moolah?

The CPM fears all these.

Going a step further, the party suspects a western conspiracy to undermine the Asian economy. “The panic over bird flu was triggered on the eve of reports of Asia emerging as an economic power,” said senior CPM leader Nilotpal Basu on Monday.  The CPM leader said a spectre of fear was created across the world with media blowing the outbreak out of proportion in China, India and Vietnam.

Hinting at a scam, Basu said the government imported huge quantity of capsules to fight bird flu virus from Hedero Drugs, a subsidiary of Roche, even though not a single human case was reported.

By mid January, the government of India decided to import one million capsules at a cost of $ 18 million. A single capsule cost $ 18, even when Indian company Cipla is ready to supply the medicine at one-third of the price quoted by Hedero Drugs.

"We find that there is a coincidence of stockpiling of these drugs and the alleged cases of bird flu. No human cases have been reported," Basu said. Demanding a "proper, independent inquiry by the Centre," the CPM leader wanted to know "What is the factual basis of purchasing such a huge quantity of drugs?" Asked if smelt a scam, Basu said "We cannot jump to a conclusion. “