Faizan Ahmad
Srinagar July 30 (KINS): With experts predicting a possible third wave of COVID-19, the Health Department has directed all private hospitals in Kashmir to be equipped with oxygen generation plants to deal with any crisis.
Kashmir valley has witnessed decrease in COVID-19 cases for the last over six-weeks. However, experts believe that there is a possibility of third COVID wave and children may be most affected.
Taking note, Directorate of Health Department Services Kashmir has written a letter to Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) in the districts across Kashmir.
According to the letter, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS), the CMOs have been directed to ensure required oxygen generation plants are put in hospitals which have 50 bed capacity.
The CMOs have been directed to immediately convey the directions to the private hospitals so that the needful is done in this regard.
“You are requested to convey the concerned private health institutions under your jurisdiction which are having more than 50 beds capacity to establish the oxygen generation plants of appropriate capacity for the facility of patient care under the intimidation of this office,” reads the letter.
Experts have warned against lowering the guard in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic, saying the third wave of Covid will be deadly.
The month of May was most devastating for Jammu and Kashmir as the Union territory reported the highest 114,382 Covid-19 cases and 1,625 deaths.
Dr Muhammad Salim Khan, the head of Department of Community Medicine has said the people should follow the guidelines fixed previously in order to minimise the impact of the third wave of the pandemic.
“The third wave of Covid will be highly dangerous, fatal and can take a heavy toll of lives,” Khan has said.
Many questions are also being raised in the expert community including how effective will vaccines be in defending against covid-19 infections.
According to reports, experts have said that a third wave of coronavirus infections is likely to hit India by October, and although it will be better controlled than the latest outbreak the pandemic will remain a public health threat for at least another year. (KINS)
