Delay in hospitalization worsening COVID scene: Himanta Biswa Sarma

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said that delay in the hospitalization of COVID-19 positive patients from home isolation is complicating the situation and increasing fatalities.

After visiting the COVID patients at the ICUs in Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) by wearing PPE kits on Sunday evening, Minister Sarma told reporters that patients in home isolation are developing complications and they are getting admitted to hospitals in critical stages.

He further said that even though he didn't initially allow home isolation, pressure from different quarters had forced him to allow such treatment facility in the State.

"Death cases have increased after the Health department allowed home isolation. The COVID scene is in a very critical stage. I appeal to all people to adopt the maximum caution. Lockdown will not help unless the people are aware and follow the safety protocols," said Sarma.

The Health Minister said that apprehending more positive and critical cases in October, the Health department is creating new ICU facilities at Kalapahar, Government Ayurvedic College in Guwahati, Singimari and Rangia in Kamrup district. He also said that the ICU facilities at Silchar Medical College & Hospital, Jorhat Medical College & Hospital and the Assam Medical College & Hospital, Dibrugarh are being intensified.

He further said that the government is appointing 200 ICU technicians and 1000 nurses to work at the new ICUs.

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