Excelsior Correspondent
LEH, Apr 26: Premier Health Centre SNM Hospital in Leh District faces staff crisis due to surge in COVID-19 cases in Ladakh region.
Over the past few weeks there had been rapid increase in COVID-19 cases as more than 100 new cases are being reported daily.
As the working season starts in Ladakh region, nearly 2000 people visit Ladakh on daily basis through various Airlines. This number is expected to increase as Leh-Srinagar highway has been reconnected.
Ladakh Heart Foundation Hospital with 40 bedded capacity is being converted into COVID hospital.
At present there are 30 active cases admitted in Mahabodi COVID-19 dedicated hospital having 40 bedded capacities. 70 active cases are admitted in SNM hospital out of which 20 are admitted in ICU with 10 stated to be in critical condition which includes 8 locals.
Shortage of manpower and staff forces the daily wages and casual labourers hired during Covid-19 pandemic to work round the clock.
The daily wagers working on meagre salary of Rs.15,000 per month were not paid wages for months as the result nearly 25 of them left the job putting more workload pressure on the few left to work in hope of getting their pending salaries.
Doctors and Nurses are working day and night and are under stress of workload.
Some staffers call relatives and friends to carry oxygen cylinder to Wards while others pay from pocket to hire labour to carry oxygen cylinders to Wards.
SNM Medical Superintendent Dr. Norzin Angmo and others remained tight-lipped over the issue while Ladakh Health Director is also under quarantine.
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