SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT
SILCHAR: The Covid 19 situation in Barak Valley is turning critical with report of deaths of 3 persons on an average during the last one week. There is no respite or let up in mounting Covid cases. The beds in SMCH, Civil Hospitals and private nursing homes are being increased to accommodate the infected persons. Already weak health services structure with severe strains on doctors, nurses and auxiliary staff has come to a saturation point. During his just concluded visit of Silchar, Karimganj and Hailakandi, Keshab Mahanta, Minister of Health, assured of increasing oxygen and ventilation supports to meet the crisis, besides increasing the bed and Covid care capacity.
The update shared with media by Dr Bhaskar Gupta, Vice-Principal, SMCH, says during the last 24 hours, 3 patients died in Silchar Medical College. They are Rupak Paul (36) of Masimpore, Krishna Kanoo (64) of Derby Tea Estate and Jahan Ahmed Laskar (46). 273 active cases, 93 in ICU, 174 in ward, 21 on ventilation and 129 on oxygen supports in SMCH are indicative of the gravity of situation. During the last 24 hours, 53 patients were admitted and 23 of them discharged. 14 patients advised home isolation. Till 6 pm, 295 cases found positive after 278 RAT and 17 RT CPR tests today.
On home isolation cases, Suman Choudhury, District Media Expert, (Health) said they have been receiving complaints from people in general that those who are advised home isolation are flouting the guidelines and melting with the crowd outside, creating hazardous situation. Such errant patients are cautioned to stay at home. In case, they have no facility at home or develop co morbidity, they can stay at Covid Care Centres. People who have specific complaints about errant cases can contact police on the given mobile numbers :6026900266 and 7086021473 of police control room.