COVID-19: ICU at Karimganj still groping in darkness

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

SILCHAR: People of Karimganj remember how Health Minister Keshab Mahanta during his first visit to Barak Valley went hammer and tongs at the contractor for dilly-dallying with the construction of ICU at COVID-19 Hospital of the border town. The contractor in question assured that it would be ready within 20 days. But even after 20 days, the ICU is in deep waters as the photograph shows. According to information, there is no decrease in the number of positive and active cases and the rate of casualty. Critical patients are referred to SMCH, requiring oxygen and ventilation support and most important ICU beds.

ICU Situation Karimganj Assam

Though the district administration has taken up vaccination drive, till date only one lakh persons out of eligible ten lakhs have been vaccinated. The Health Minister has said on Sunday at Guwahati that all preparations are afoot to meet the challenge of third wave of COVID-19 likely to infect children most according to medical experts. Staggering ICU at Karimganj is a tell-tale of the reality on the ground. A sense of fear exists among people as the dark shadow of COVID-19 shows no sign of melting.

The inputs given by district health department shows 90,762 persons have got vaccinated. Covishield first dose to 78,468 persons and second dose to 19,159 have been given. 12,288 persons have taken first dose of Covaxin while 3,623 persons its second dose. A very disturbing development that has been reported from the border town is that people are showing scant care for COVID-19 guidelines during curfew hours. This can add spike to the wheel of infection despite the best of efforts of the district administration to put a break on it.

Parimal Suklabaidya, Minister, during his review meeting on COVID-19 situation here a few days back, spoke of expanding vaccine centres. But the lack of vaccines stands in the way. District Project Manager of health department, Hanif Mohammed admitted it. How can be centres increased, when vaccines are insufficient, he said? Till now, 34 COVID-19 infected persons have died. Social activist, Sujan Deb has now taken up the cudgel to expedite the construction of ICU by taking the help of media, print and electronic, and to stir up the administration. Surprisingly, MP and MLAs are maintaining silence instead of raising the voice of people on ICU.

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