Ready to fight virus: Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma

‘In the event of massive outbreak, it may not be easy to manage’

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: State Health and Family Welfare Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that though there is no reason for Assam to panic over coronavirus yet in the event of its massive outbreak, it won’t be easy to “manage”.

The two statements sound mutually opposed to each other, but both are based on facts. Talking to the media on Monday, Sarma said, “A total of 29 coronavirus related tests have been conducted at the GMCH (Gauhati Medical College and Hospital). Of them, while 28 have tested negative the result of one case is pending. All the six tests conducted at the Lahowal Laboratory have also tested negative. Thus as of now, no corona positive case has been detected in the State. There’s no question of panic.”

The Minister, however, apprehended that in the event of any massive outbreak of the virus in the State, it won’t be easy to “manage”. He pointed out, “The State is vast with hilly terrains and far-flung areas, some of which are beyond the reach of our health facilities. In such a situation, it won’t be easy to fight any massive outbreak of the virus. This is why our thrust is mainly on awareness and adopting precautionary measures to prevent the occurrence of the virus.”

The Minister added, “I appeal to the public to avoid unnecessary social gatherings. If anybody has symptoms of coronavirus he/she shouldn’t hide the health indications. The person concerned should immediately consult the nearest medical facilities. That will rid the patient and his/her family members of the virus. Many people of Assam studying in Karnataka and working there have returned to the State. I appeal to them not to hide if they’ve any coronavisus symptoms.”

The Minister also said that the Health department is going to intensify the precautionary measures. “From Tuesday onwards, domestic air passengers will also be brought under random tests at all airports across the State. Earlier, only foreign air passengers were tested for the virus. All stops of Rajdhani Express will also be brought under the purview of coronavirus surveillance from tomorrow.

“We’ve already closed cinema halls, schools, colleges, general examinations. However, we can’t stop everything like markets, hospitals etc as daily needs of life have to be met. If anybody is found to defy the orders issued as preventive measures, legal actions will be taken against them.”

On the reports of hike in prices of sanitizers, Sarma said that the Centre has already brought sanitizers under the essential commodity list; and now the State government can control its price.

On the existing medical facilities in the State to fight the virus, Sarma said, “At present we have laboratories for testing coronavirus at GMCH, Lahowal and Jorhat Medical College & Hospital (JMCH). Moreover, Barpeta Medical College & Hospital (BMCH), Tezpur Medical College and Hospital (TMCH) and Silchar Medical College & Hospital (SMCH) have been also authorized to collect samples. For coronavirus, we have 607 isolated beds in government hospitals, 269 ventilation facilities and quarantine facilities for 2,000 patients in the State.”

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