*Convert Govt buildings into health centres
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 7: Senior Congress leader and former minister, Raman Bhalla today expressed concern over the sharp surge in COVID-19 cases and Covid related deaths in J&K and asked the Government to step up efforts to tackle the situation.
In a press statement here today, Bhalla said there has been a surge in cases. The Government should step up its effort and take up the fight at war footing. The complete focus of the Government should be on protecting the people from the pandemic.
“Today, there is a huge scarcity of medical oxygen and medicines across J&K. The number of patients continues to increase, but they are not able to get beds in hospitals,” the senior Congress leader said.
He said the Government should ensure availability of beds, oxygen and medicines to all patients and all possible help should be taken from the Union government.”Supply should be increased by reaching out to other states for oxygen. To increase the number of beds, emphasis should be laid on creating temporary hospitals. Greater the testing and vaccination, the sooner we will be able to tackle the surge of cases,” he added.
Bhalla said a list of helpline numbers of some officers pertaining to various critical services was issued by the government recently but people complain that most of the numbers are either incorrect, not reachable or switched off. “The Government should make necessary changes in this list and re-issue it with the correct numbers. A large number of people are calling these numbers to help their patients, but they are not getting any help,” he added.
He also expressed concern over reports of “black marketing” of some essential medicines, oxygen and medical supplies. The Government should take strict action against profiteers. Bhalla said the Govt must undo the mistake committed so far and take immediate measures on war footing to avert a catastrophe. He said the rising number of Coronavirus should not be treated lightly and all suspects, with or without symptoms, should be traced, tested and treated. He said there is dire need of specialists who are able to deal with Covid-19 management cases and also able to take decision while referring the patients.
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