Societies gear up to create makeshift isolation wards

PATNA: The recent guidelines issued by the Union ministry of health and family welfare for setting up small

Covid-19

care facilities in gated residential complexes have garnered mixed response from Patnaites. While some societies have welcomed the decision, others have criticised it.

Such makeshift facilities are meant only for suspects, pre-symptomatic, asymptomatic and very mild cases of Covid-19. Others like senior citizens, children below 10 years of age, pregnant and lactating women and patients with comorbidity have to seek medical help at healthcare centres.

The resident of a society near Nahar Khagaul Road, Abhishek Raj, told this newspaper on Monday that arrangements were being made for creating a makeshift isolation ward with beds and other facilities.

“A place for installing a testing kiosk in the society is being identified. The society’s management committee is also looking for volunteers in each block. Luckily, two doctors, who live here, have voluntarily come forward to treat Covid-19 patients. However, we need at least two more doctors for consultation,” Abhishek said.

On the other hand, Rajiv Kumar, the owner of another society near RPS Mor, claimed that setting up Covid care facilities could create panic among the residents.

“All the guidelines of the health department are followed strictly in the society. As of now, nobody has tested positive for corona here. In case someone does, I will suggest them to stay under home isolation,” Rajiv said, adding that doctors, who stayed in the society, gave tips to the residents to stay healthy on a regular basis.

According to the guidelines, the makeshift facility for Covid patients can be set up in community halls or common utility areas or empty flats which are away from the occupied ones.

The management committee of a society in Rukanpura is yet to take a decision in connection with the ministry’s guidelines. Raj Gupta, secretary of the society, said, “A meeting will be held to discuss the issue. We may use the community hall for creating a Covid care facility.”


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