Surat : SGCCI team of 45 industrialists returns from China amid respiratory illness surge

Surat : As hospitals in China overflow with patients suffering from respiratory illnesses, the return of 45 industrialists who visited China in a delegation led by the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SGCCI) has spread worries among Surat residents.

The SGCCI delegation visited China from November 20 to 28 to attend the ITMA Asia + CITME textile machinery exhibition. However, their return coincides with a surge in respiratory illnesses in China, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients.

During this period, the delegation visited various places useful in the development of textile sector and visited Chinese cities including Wuhan, Shanghai, Shenzhen during the ITMA-CITME Exhibition under the leadership of SGCCI vice-president Vijay Mevawala.

The return of the industrialists has raised concerns among Surat residents, who fear that they may have contracted the virus.

The SMC has also set up a special helpline for residents to report any symptoms of respiratory illness.

Some Surat residents have questioned the health department’s response to the situation. They argue that the SMC should have taken more proactive measures to prevent the spread of the virus.

“The health department should have screened all the industrialists at the airport,” said one resident. “They should also have been quarantined for a few days to ensure that they were not carrying the virus.”

The situation comes at a challenging time for Surat, with hospitals including the New Civil Hospital (NCH) has started preparing for the emergency due to the increase in the patients suffering from respiratory illnesses in China. The return of the industrialists from a region experiencing a similar health crisis has amplified concerns about the potential spread of contagious diseases within the city.

Authorities are urged to address these concerns promptly, ensuring the health and safety of the residents by implementing necessary precautionary measures. Clarity regarding the health status of the returning industrialists and any potential risks they might pose to public health remains a pressing issue demanding immediate attention.