The Covid 19 cases are being increasingly reported from small towns and rural areas, indicating community transmission and current strategy of ‘trace, test and treat’ not much beneficial in combating the pandemic. As per the health bulletin released by the state health department on Thursday evening, 10 people have lost their lives battling infection in Ramgarh district in the past 24 hours. Similarly, in the last 24 hour 542 fresh cases were reported from Ramgarh district.
As per health department bulletin, the infection has spread in all 24 districts of Jharkhand, while some of least infected such as Pakur with around 125 active cases and four deaths, while district such as East Singhbhum having around 5200 active cases and accounting for more than 460 deaths since the pandemic broke out last March. Ranchi accounts for highest active cases.
Smaller towns witnessing spread of infection much more as compared to previous year are Ramgarh, Hazaribagh, Koderma, and West Singhbhum among others. Indian Medical Association (IMA) State Secretary, Dr Pradeep Kumar Singh said, “Compared to previous year, this year the spread of coronavirus is much contagious. The virus’ mutation is fast as compared to last year. The best way to prevent the infection is remaining safe and vaccinated.”
The virus has spread in rural areas as most rural communities rely on untrained health workers. Over two-thirds of these rural health providers have no formal medical training but remain the only option of medical support for most of the rural population.
But now, the State government and Indian Medical Association have joined hands to check the spread of infection in districts. On Friday, a high level meeting of IMA officials with State Health Secretary (in-charge) Arun Kumar Singh was held.
During the meeting several important decisions were taken so as to check the spread of infection. Dr Pradeep Kumar Singh said, “In the meeting it was decided that doctors will form a team at district level. The team of doctors will sit at the district headquarters and will also display their whatsapp number to the public for information. Time schedule for consultation will be decided by the purpose.”
The IMA also agreed to provide consultation to people in need and for this facility of tele consultation will be introduced. At the meeting it was also decided to create awareness about the team of doctors and tele consultation facilities through local media.
In the meeting it was decided to check the spread of rumours or misinformation about Covid and vaccination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others have urged people to check the spread of rumours about vaccination. Even district administration has decided to take action against those spreading fake or fabricated news about vaccines and spread of infections in social media.