The lone District Hospital for Ukhrul District with a population of about 1.5 lakh is still without basic amenities and hence most of the patients in critical conditions are referred to hospitals in Imphal for further treatment
By Tennoson Pheiray
A total of 27 People have passed away due Covid-19-related cases in Ukhrul District till date. Out of 27, nine people were reported to have expired at Ukhrul District Hospital and the remaining at different hospitals in Imphal.
The list does not include those who had passed away outside Manipur. The data collected is from November 28, 2020 till July 19, 2021. Out of 27 deaths, only one deceased has taken first dose of Covishield and three were tested positive only after their demise.
The lone District Hospital for Ukhrul District with a population of about 1.5 lakh is still without basic amenities and hence most of the patients in critical conditions are referred to hospitals in Imphal for further treatment. One cannot help wondering whether the lives lost could have been saved had the hospital infrastructure been a little better.
On the other hand, how different is the treatment including medications of Covid-19 patients at Ukhrul District Hospital from other parts of Manipur or for that matter, India. There must be a standard procedure being followed for treating Covid-19 patients. Doctors in Ukhrul must be following the same procedure.
Experts have been stating that without 80% herd immunity, it will be difficult to control the spread of the virus. Unfortunately, out of the eligible 80,000 people only 20,000 have received the vaccine from Ukhrul District. Going by this rate, Ukhrul District is likely to experience lockdown, curfew and the virus. Vaccine hesitancy is a huge hindrance in overcoming Covid-19. In spite of various awareness campaigns and clear communication including the pros and cons of the vaccines, the mindset of the people is yet to change.
Controlling and overcoming the pandemic lies in the hands of the people. It is up to us whether to rely on scientific explanation or misinformation. It is up to us whether we get back to normality, send our children back to schools, gather and socialise without fear or continue to live with lockdown and the Covid-19 as the norms.