SHILLONG: When the COVID-19 pandemic broke out in Meghalaya, the bulk of such cases were related to the BSF (Border Security Force) personnel, who at one stage accounted for nearly 90% of the infections in the State. At one point, the FTR HQ BSF Meghalaya even registered 1,282 total COVID-positive cases. However, the scene has drastically changed now what with observance of strict protocols by the BSF officials and personnel.
''The journey of COVID-19 creeping inside the campus was distasteful, keeping in view the various discriminations faced by the BSF jawans with the civil population. With the declaration of containment zone in the campus, it became even more problematic since we were cut off from the outside world. However, with the adoption of stringent action and safety measures such as quarantine of troops and their dependents reporting back from leave or temporary duty, adequate social distancing, mandatory COVID-19 testing on entry inside the campus we were able to keep at bay this dreadful disease.''
Acknowledging the hard work of the entire fraternity of medical and paramedics of BSF Shillong in combating COVID-19, the BSF also said that it has been successful with the co-operation and the immense support from the State Government and the Civil Health authorities.
After the successful vaccination drive conducted for the Healthcare workers of BSF camp Umpling and Mawpat at the Composite Hospital BSF here, the second phase of vaccination drive was initiated for the front line workers of BSF in the presence of Hardeep Singh, Inspector General, FTR HQ BSF Meghalaya, U.K. Nayal, PPMG, DIG, Doukhosei Haokip, DIG (PSO), Dr Rachhpal Singh, Officiating Commandant (Medical) and Dr Salinder Kaur, Officiating DIG (Medical) of CH BSF Shillong besides other officers and jawans. After Dr Salinder Kaur, CMO (SG) gave the welcome address, a brief presentation on COVID-19 diseases and vaccination was presented by Dr Nilanjan Roy, Chief Surveillance Medical Officer, WHO. Thereafter, IG BSF FTR Meghalaya declared open the vaccination drive for the frontline workers.
IG Ftr HQ BSF, Meghalaya Hardeep Singh thanked the entire medical fraternity of the country for having managed this pandemic with great dedication and hard work. He was the first to be vaccinated today in the presence of Dr Roy, Dr Adriana Lyngdoh, District Immunisation Officer and Dr Valerie Laloo, Junior Specialist, Director of Health Services. Altogether 220 BSF officials of FTR HQ BSF, Meghalaya were vaccinated during the day. The vaccination drive is likely to continue for about 10 days during which all the BSF personnel of Umpling & Mawpat Campus will be covered, stated a release. The drive will be implemented for immunization of troops at the Border Out Post (BOP)-level in co-ordination with the local Health authorities.
Apart from the vaccination programme on February 11, the FTR HQrs BSF Meghalaya organized a free medical camp under its 'Civic Action Programme' at BOP Shella, 123 Bn BSF in East Khasi Hills under the supervision of Dr Valera Pasi, AC/MO. The programme was inaugurated by Rajashekhar KN, Comdt of 123 bn BSF in the presence of medical staff of 97 Bn and civil Doctors from Shella.
About 500 villagers of Shella, Kasinda, Pyrkanbasti, Patharghat and Beltolli of East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya got free medical consultancy and free medicines, stated a release.