Covid 2.0: Is Odisha Govt's Readiness Enough To Face The Worst?

Bhubaneswar: At a time when Covid-19 infection cases are exploding at an unprecedented rate in Odisha, the State government’s tall claims of being fully prepared for a worst has brought myriads questions into the fore.

The State government has claimed that it has made elaborate arrangements to meet the worst part of the crisis when it comes. Starting from the medical beds, oxygen to medicos, the government claims to be on a full readiness to face any eventualities.
But question arises that does the State have adequate infrastructure to address the tsunami of Covid-19 in month of May?

As per assessment, as many as 5,815 patients would require admission to Covid hospitals by May 15. Similarly, 2040 patients requiring critical care and 438 in need of ventilator support may also have to face hospitalization during the period.

The Government claims that it has stepped up its hospital accommodation capacity with sufficient ICU and ventilator units. Collectors have been directed to augment health infrastructure under their respective jurisdictions.

“The government has set up adequate hospital beds for Covid patients. As per our assessment, currently we can provide 40000 beds to patients with oxygen support. The government has also made elaborate arrangements for smooth transportation of oxygen cylinders from the nearest fillers, said Pradipta Mohapatra,
Additional Chief Secretary of State Health Department.

But, government’s readiness has raised many eyebrows given the current trend of the Covid-19 graph in the State.

The pandemic which exhibited an explosive trend in April may go up to become a worst in May. The daily cases which stood at 394 on April 1, saw a mammoth jump to 8681 by the end of the month. On the first of May, the daily cases have crossed 10,000 mark.

Odisha has registered 10, 413 fresh cases with 11 cases of fatalities in the last 24 hours. If the trend continues, a worst situation like Delhi, Maharashtra may be at the door step, experts believe.

As per Health department’s prediction, the cumulative tally in the second wave may reach 2 lakh by May 15 while daily infections may rise up to 13,000.

Experts opine that laxity in government measures, lack of awareness and gross violation of Covid protocols may have contributed to this worst case scenario.

“It is difficult to predict now the graph of the pandemic peak. If we are lucky enough, the daily cases may remain below 15000. If destiny plays spoilsport, we might witness around 30000 daily cases. Kerala, being a small state, has already crossed 30000 daily cases,” health expert Niraj Mishra said.

“I don’t think that micro containment measures would benefit. More stringent measures are the need of the hour,” he added.