Dr Swasticharan, who is leading the two member central team, maintained that in order to conduct an accurate calculation, both the “numerator and denominator” need to be accurate. Underscoring the need to improve data collection in the state, he said that only after improving the scientific analysis, the “actual picture” can be seen
TFM Report
Dr L Swasticharan, who is leading the two member central team visiting the state, stopped short of using the word “revamp” on the present strategies of the Manipur government in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic as more than two months of imposing restrictions failed to break the chain of the dreaded virus which continued to ravage the state.
“I won’t use the word ‘revamp’, as the state government is also making efforts. But there are moments in a disaster when the system is overwhelmed by lack of (hospital) beds, manpower. So, there is a need to augment. This is the purpose of the central team’s visit — to give suggestions and recommendations on specific areas, and trying to find the solution together,” he added.
Dr Swasticharan was replying to a TFM query at the media briefing on Monday held at the Directorate of Health Service, Lamphelpat, Imphal.
Stressing on the need for authentic data, the public health expert informed that there was an open discussion on the matter on Sunday. “We need to find out the type of testing in the state — whether the positive individuals are returnees or through contact tracing or those who come out voluntarily, etc,” he said.
Dr Swasticharan further maintained that in order to conduct an accurate calculation, both the “numerator and denominator” need to be accurate. Underscoring the need to improve data collection in the state, he asserted that only after improving the scientific analysis, the “actual picture” can be seen.
Noting that the erstwhile COVID admission committee of the state was unable to perform due to the overwhelming surge in the second wave, the doctor stressed on the need to let the committee function again. He maintained that by segregating cases on the need for actual hospitalisation, many lives can be saved. Apart from this, the quality of care being provided in the COVID hospitals and COVID care centres need to be improved, he added.
Dr Swasticharan also stressed on the need to monitor patients in home isolation more properly. The “quality” of care being provided to these patients need to be improved, he added while stressing that the people need to believe in the care being provided in hospitals, CCC or home isolation. And if there is a trust issue with the quality of care, then it needs to be addressed, he added. The doctor also emphasised on the need for scientific analysis of COVID deaths, while maintaining that each and every step in the fight against COVID-19 are related.
On the potential third wave of the pandemic, Dr Swasticharan maintained that vaccination is the only way while informing that vaccination reduces the severity of infection dramatically.
The media briefing was attended by additional directors, SMD, joint directors, and deputy directors, amongst others.
The central team consisting of additional DDG and EMR director, Dr L Swasticharan and AIIMS Bhopal General Medicine assistant professor Dr Sagar Khadanga, sent by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, arrived in the state on Sunday. The team will leave on Tuesday.