New Delhi, Mar 19 (IANS): Debunking a fake viral message, attributed to eminent heart surgeon Naresh Trehan claiming that national emergency will be declared soon and people must collect cash, food and medicines, the doctor on Thursday clarified it was "absolutely incorrect".

Naresh Trehan is the Chairman and Managing Director of Medanta Medicity in Gurugram.

A viral message on social media quoted Trehan's office and claimed, "Just got news from Dr. Trehan's office through the PMO that India is going to declare a National Emergency in a day or two. Keep enough ration, medicins and enough cash. "

Trehan reacted sharply, saying, "Please disregard this message. This can lead to panic buying, hoarding and stampeding banks. This is not the need of the hour."

"We must stay calm yet vigilant in prevention measures. The nation needs every citizen to behave responsibly and spreading rumours is detrimental in the nation's battle against this disease."

In the wake of the coronavirus in India, panic has gripped the national capital and the fake news factory's business has been booming. The government has already cracked whip on such fake news forwards over social media.

As of Thursday morning, India has 148 active cases of Coronavirus.