Jaipur, May 6 (PTI) The practice of nasal rinsing and gargling with saline water has the potential of helping people fight against COVID-19, according to a report.

The report in international health journal 'Lung India' published on Tuesday points out the significance of nasal rinsing and gargling with saline water in preventing the contract of the virus in the present scenario when the world is reeling under the COVID-19 pandemic.

The report, based on a systematic analysis of articles on nasal rinsing and gargling, says that hypertonic saline (three tea spoons in half litre of water) has the potential of preventing the contract of COVID-19.

"This practice may have the potential of add-on therapy in prevention of diseases like COVID-19," Dr Sheetu Singh, one of the authors and a chest specialist at SMS Medical college, Jaipur told reporters here.

She said gargling and nasal rinsing may prevent viral diseases entering through nose and throat.

"Like hand wash, nose and throat wash may also remove or reduce viral load," she said.

Noted pulmonologist Dr Virendra Singh, who co-authored the report, said the practice can saves lives.

"The current emphasis is on preventive strategies such as social distancing, wearing mask, and hand washing. The technique of nasopharyngeal wash to prevent the virus from inhabiting and replicating in the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa has been suggested to be useful in reducing symptoms, transmission, and viral shedding in cases of viral acute respiratory tract infections," the report said.

It said that hypertonic saline gargles and nasal rinse may also be useful in prevention and care of COVID-19 patients.

"The present evidence emphasises the need of randomised controlled trials to evaluate the role and mechanism of nasopharyngeal wash in COVID-19," it said.

Other co-authors of the report are experts from Indian Institute of Health Management Research, Jaipur. PTI SDA KJ KJ 05062232 NNNNy, then why did they not insist when other private operators procured the 4G equipment? BSNL cannot afford to have another failed network deployment," the letter said.

TEPC has also raised security concerns in purchase of telecom network equipment from foreign companies. BSNL unions, however, called the security issue a lame excuse and questioned TEPC for not raising it when private players purchase equipment from foreign companies.

"When BSNL's competitors are procuring world-class 4G equipment from experienced vendors having proven technology, why should BSNL alone be compelled to procure substandard equipment, manufactured by inexperienced vendors, in the name of “Make in India” policy. The burden of supporting domestic manufacturers cannot be put on the shoulders of BSNL alone, in a highly competitive telecom market," the unions said

The Commerce Ministry has asked the DoT and BSNL to put the tender on hold till the time TEPC complaint is not resolved and has also called for erring officials if found guilty of inserting clauses to restrict entry of Indian companies in the BSNL tender as per government rule.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)