Covid-19 infection is rising in rural areas of Manipur due to lack of awareness, inadequate infrastructure and failure to follow COVID SOPs: Health Director Dr K. Rajo

Health Services Director Doctor K. Rajo has highlighted the plights facing health and other relevant officials in administering COVID-19 Vaccine to inhabitants residing in far-flung areas of Manipur. Briefing media on the current status of covid-19 pandemic in Manipur at the Medical Directorate in Lamphel, today, Doctor K. Rajo said, Government is leaving no stone unturned in reaching out covid vaccination drive to beneficiaries in every nook and corner of the state, but bad road connectivity, shortage of man power and lack of awareness on the benefits of COVID-19 vaccine are major stumbling blocks. 

Dr. K.,Rajo also informed that efforts are on to increase the number of Community quarantine centres in the State. He said, community halls and schools will be converted into quarantine centres if required. He reminded that as per the Government's order issued on July 26, meals are being provided to inmates of covid care centres in the state. Stating that Government is carrying out mass awareness on covid appropriate behaviours, vaccination drive and mass covid testing on war footing in the State, the health director appealed for public support in fighting covid-19 pandemic. 

Speaking further, the Health Directior highlighted the current status of COVID-19 Situation in Manipur. He said, covid-19 infection is gradually declining in the urban areas of Manipur while it is steadily increasing in the rural areas. Dr K. Rajo cited lack of awareness and failure to maintain COVID-appropriate behaviours as reasons behind the surging COVID-19 infection rate in rural areas. He also informed that in the past 10 days, covid infection is highest in Imphal West District followed by Imphal East, Bishnupur and Thoubal District. While in the Hill districts, Churachandpur has the highest infection rate followed by Chandel, Kangpokpi and Noney District. While, covid fatality rate in the state stands average compared to the last highest number of deaths.

Dr. K Rajo also said that Manipur has so far logged 7 Black Fungus cases out of which two patients have died and 5 are undergoing treatment. The Health Director assured that State Government is making all out efforts to pay extra service pay and other due incentives to health workers including doctors and nurses. He also expressed sadness that two doctors in Manipur have succumbed to COVID-19 and informed that their families have been provided an Ex-Gratia amount of 50 lakh rupees each by the Government. Dr Rajo called for collective efforts of health professionals, government and the public in battling COVID-19 Pandemic.