Odisha: Covid-19 Peak Likely In May; Don’t Panic And Crowd Hospitals, Says DMET Chief

Bhubaneswar: Even as the daily Covid-19 count continues to hit record peaks with 6647 cases having been reported in the State in the past 24 hours, the chief of Directorate of Medical Education & Training, CBK Mohanty on Saturday said that the overall Covid situation in the State was far better than elsewhere in the country.

Mohanty, however, warned that the second wave might witness peak by May as concluded by several studies and other models.

“Despite the surge, Odisha is placed in a better position compared to other States in the country. The State has adequate number of beds in hospitals and the capacity is being increased in a phased manner,” said Mohanty.

The situation in 10 western districts is gradually improving and we hope that the Covid-19 graph will start plateauing soon, the DMET chief said.

According to Mohanty, the State government has already instructed authorities to increase beds in Covid Care Centres (CCC). Clear directions have also been issued to ensure that there is provision of oxygen beds at CCCs to provide immediate treatment to positive patients, in case their condition deteriorates.

When asked about Odisha’s initiative to provide oxygen to other states, the DMET chief said, “Do you think the State government has provided over 250 MT of oxygen in 2 days overlooking its own requirement? It is not like that. In Odisha, there are steel plants, fertiliser plants and other units which can provide liquid medical oxygen. We are yet to tap such big industries for oxygen requirement as 22 medium units which are supplying oxygen are still providing the essential air as per requirement.”

#Odisha is in a good position as compared to other states. We have adequate beds & oxygen arrangements. #COVID19 cases may reach the peak in May. People should avoid visiting hospitals out of panic: DMET Director Dr CBK Mohanty

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Sources said that the Health department has asked Collectors, Municipal Commissioners, CDMOs to ensure that non-critical Covid patients do not visit hospital so that there is no burden on health infrastructure.

The move is also likely to play a crucial role in ensuring that critical Covid patients get beds and other lifesaving equipment like ICU, ventilators and oxygen at dedicated units and hospitals.

Such direction came after it was observed that a lot of Covid-19 patients who do not require oxygen are rushing to hospitals out of panic. As a result, critically ill patients are getting deprived of emergency medical attention in the State.

“Out of fear and panic, Covid positives are keen to take admissions in hospitals. No doubt the State govt will ensure that they get proper treatment, but there are clear instruction of health department to promote home isolation. People, who are not critical, should take treatment in home isolation,” Mohanty added.