Assam government to provide free home ride for COVID-free cancer patients

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: The State government has decided to provide free transport facilities for all COVID negative patients and their attendants who arrived here from Mumbai on Tuesday night to their respective homes. Informing this to The Sentinel, Joint Resident Commissioner of Assam Bhawan in Mumbai, Debasish Sharma said, "The State government informed us about this measure on Wednesday morning. However, they will have to remain in home quarantine for a specific period."

Sharma added, "Swab samples of all the 132 patients and their attendants were collected at the Sarusjai Quarantine Centre here till 2:30 am today. We're now waiting for the reports. After completion of the sample collection process, all were taken to Hotel Raddison Blue and kept in quarantine there. In the morning, Dr Mridul Sarma of the State Cancer Hospital carried out health checkup of the patients. Before we left Mumbai on May 8, all of us had to undergo COVID tests there. The results were COVID negative."

The 132 people also include six child patients, not cancer patients, and their parents who had been to the Narayana Hridalaya Hospital there for treatment.

He further said, "Swab samples of 12 drivers of six sleeper buses on which we travelled along with that of the lone supervisor were also collected. If their results are found to be negative, they'll be allowed to commence their return journey to Mumbai. I shall also accompany them.

"There are still 25 cancer patients and their attendants in the Assam Bhawan at Mumbai. Treatment of the patients is on there." 

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