After cities, virus prevalent in rural areas: DHS Kashmir

Kupwara: Amid the scare of second wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Jammu and Kashmir, the health authorities in the valley Thursday said that after showing a surge in cities the virus has started to attack people even in rural areas, while the efforts were underway to prepare at the earliest.
Director Health Services Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather Thursday visited Kupwara and revived the COVID preparedness besides holding a meeting with health officials and administration about the ongoing situation.
Talking to reporters about the missing of 40 oxygen cylinders Director said that clues reveal the involvement of employees who have been suspended immediately while an inquiry has been initiated into the same.
“Besides 50 oxygen cylinders have been arranged for the use. It was a quick response from the government,” Rather said.
Rather said that 25 oxygen concentrators have been given to the Kupwara health department having a10 liters per minute capacity.
“Initially it was observed that the Covid is attacking people in cities only but now it has started to attack people in rural areas as well and in response, the government has directed the health department to prepare at least five beds in each village,” he said.
Rather said preparations have been started for the possible 3rd wave of pandemic and for that meetings have been called to strengthen pediatric units.
He said that from a simple peon to the lieutenant governor of Jammu and Kashmir every official is busy in all the preparation to ensure medicines and oxygen is available in sufficient quantity.
“Around 2,000 oxygen concentrators and rapid kits have been made available in the valley besides the health department has been directed to prepare small kits containing soap, masks, and other important things to distribute among poor families in all the villages,” he said.
Rather said that ventilators don’t save people from Covid rather the regular high flow oxygen does which is available in bulk at SDH Kupwara with 1,000 LPM besides cylinders and concentrators.
He also said that any health official found involved in any sort of violation won’t be spared.
About the reshuffle in the health department in Kupwara, Rather said it cannot be done amid the pandemic rather it would lead to loss when the administration is working to fight the disease