An appeal to CM: Letters to The Editor

I am taking the liberty of writing on behalf of the thousands of Axomiya citizens who are affected either directly or indirectly by the COVID-19 pandemic. Many are languishing in hospitals where, apparently there is a lack of doctors, nurses, and there is no hospital staff to be seen which clearly shows that there is not enough support from the government in maintaining health infrastructure. I keep hearing stories of people that have admitted themselves to hospital on testing positive for COVID, they are placed on oxygen cylinders due to dropping oxygen levels. If someone is unlucky to be then admitted into Intensive Care Units due to a massive drop in oxygen, it seems to easily turn into a matter of life and death.

I am puzzled by this. I know that COVID affects everyone differently, the question then is: is there a separate issue with the way ICUs are set up in Assam, and Guwahati in particular? Understandably, there is an under-supply of oxygen/oxygen cylinders in general, in India right now, but what could be the reason that an otherwise healthy person who is reportedly recovering, suddenly has a massive drop in oxygen levels, is put in ventilation and then within a few hours they are no more? Is something wrong with our health system what exactly is the problem?

Dear sir, I wish to congratulate you on your appointment as Chief Minister, I do not care what political colour you wear and this letter is in no way to undermine the immense work that you have done, and continue doing for Assam. All I wish to request is that MORE needs to be done -

- Our HEALTH INFRASTRUCTURE needs a massive boost, funding must be diverted to enlisting/training more doctors and healthcare staff as a priority even if this means importing from other states if this is a viable option; even regulate the situation both in private and government hospitals in whatever ways possible.

- Equally important right now is a robust PUBLIC HEALTH CAMPAIGN to educate and encourage people to continue using masks, hand hygiene, and maintain social distancing.

- The VACCINATION drive must be accelerated and the supply of vaccines and other necessities (oxygen cylinders) must be strictly regulated so it can be stopped from being diverted to the black market, and ensure it is made affordable and available for everyone.

Though I feel it is unfair for me to call out directives from the safety of a developed economy, like yourself I am also another citizen of Assam. I wish to add that you have been anointed Chief Minister during a time that will go down in history as one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century. I cannot help feeling that perhaps you are destined for something more than ordinary governance, perhaps this is your golden opportunity to show your leadership.

My humble wish is that you rise to the occasion.

Yesterday, my elder brother who is probably about the same age as you, breathed his last at a hospital. He was not meant to leave us so early, and certainly not meant to go the way he did. To me, it was an unnatural death, just like all the rest that died from being hospitalized from COVID. It is a national shame. I will miss his playful, happy spirit. I pray that he rest in peace, wherever he is now.

Thank you for hearing me out.

Priyalaxmi Singh Das

(writersmuse1@yahoo.com)

Of masks and their efficacy

Recently, doctors, health workers, paramedical workers, and others all wear masks when needed. COVID exaggerates that need. There are different types of masks available in the market now. The main ones are the cotton mask, the surgical mask and the N-95 mask. Generally, the cotton mask can be applied after soaking in hot soapy water for 20 minutes and after drying. It can be used for a while if it is good. Although such masks do not prevent all kinds of microbes or viruses, bacteria, they can also block other substances in the air such as dust, pollen, etc. People with nasal allergies may benefit from using it. In general, two types of masks are recommended to protect against COVID-19 infection – (1) a three-tiered surgical mask and (2) an N-95 mask. The three-tiered surgical mask has a hydrophobic non-woven layer on the outside, with a melt-blown layer in the middle. These masks can be worn for up to 8 hours at a time. Sometimes if there is the damage it needs to be replaced. If it is good, it can be used for three days, according to medical scientists. According to the FDA (Food and Dry Administration, USA), the use of surgical masks more often during a pandemic or during emergencies does not cause any harm. But according to the CDC (Centres for Disease Control in Atlanta, USA), it should be worn only once. The most widely used mask type among us is the N-95. This type of mask is of the highest standard. Which can inhibit all types of sand, dust, pollen, bacteria and even COVID viruses. It is also called a respirator because it has a filtering capacity of 95%. On the other hand, its technology is advanced. Substances 3 microns in size or larger in the air can be blocked by N-95 masks. According to the CDC, it should be used only once but again in case of emergency. Electrical sterilization should be done before reuse. But do not wash because washing will reduce the resistance of the mask. And one thing that needs to be mentioned here is that if we go to the hospital or containment zone, we should wear two masks.

Unfortunately, the Government of Assam has not been able to provide adequate and advanced technology masks to health workers and the general public. As a result, the lives of all MPHWs (Male), especially those known as COVID fighters and frontline health workers, have come under suspicion. We hope that the newly appointed Chief Minister Himanta Bishwa Sarma, who has lauded the MPHW (Male) staff in the year 2020, will take a positive step in this regard. In this case, voluntary organizations (NGOs) should come forward to help the general public. This is because the poor people of Assam may not be able to afford expensive and advanced masks. However, in times of crisis in the country, both public vigilance and government support are essential. Now, this call has reached everyone's mind and brain.

Heramba Nath,

Kamrup

Give Army oxygen duty

The Army has a pan India presence and its officers of proven integrity can be made responsible to distribute oxygen to hospitals located in their respective districts. Army hospitals can be a roped resource that is urgently required to save lives at this critical juncture. Army officers will not come under pressure from anyone to do favours to the powers that be. They will handle the job in the most transparent manner, much to the satisfaction of the general public.

Chandan Kumar Nath,

Sorbhog

Aadhaar shouldn't be mandatory

The Unique Identification Authority of India has clarified that no one should be denied vaccine, medicine, hospitalization, or treatment just because they do not have an Aadhaar. It is the right move. It should not be misused as an excuse for denial of any essential service. If a resident does not possess Aadhaar for some or other reason, they must not be denied essential services as per Aadhaar Act now. The UIDAI advises that in case of any such denial of service or benefit, the matter should be brought to the notice of the higher authorities of the departments concerned. State governments should develop a mechanism to ensure the identity of any person through alternative identification proofs and provide them essential services, and benefits timely. The Aadhaar should not be mandatory in this pandemic because people are facing challenging situations in their lives.

Amit Singh Kushwaha,

Satna (M.P.)

Too late

The uncrowned prince of the pseudo-Gandhi dynasty Rahul Gandhi is again in news for the wrong reasons. A habitual Twitter operator, recently in his tweet has asked Delhi Police to arrest him along with his followers for pasting posters in various streets of the capital against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He is accusing Prime Minister of mismanagement in the Covid-19 issue. This time he is correct in asking for his arrest, but it is too late. Certainly, he should have been behind bars for big financial scams in the National Herald case. He should have been in jail for tearing an ordinance in front of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, for spreading false information in the Rafael deal. He should have been lodged in jail for signing an MoU with the Chinese Prime Minister, the contents of which are not known to the general public. Rahul Gandhi should thank his stars for not being behind bars to date.

Dr Ashim Chowdhury,

Guwahati-1

Favourite pastime

In general, everybody has his/her favourite pastime like listening to songs, playing, watching movies, doing a crossword puzzle, angling, etc. There is a single piece named Rahul Gandhi whose only pastime seems to be demeaning Indian culture and tradition in front of the world. He is hogging the limelight in the nation only because the Gandhi family has been able to create an image before the public that they are the true descendants of Mahatma Gandhi. Another plus point which he has under his control is his profound control over English, like another MP from his adopted homeland Kerala Sashi Tharoor.

Lanu Dutta Chowdhury,

Guwahati.