Nuapada: Setting example for others, Ishwar Chandra Nayak, Sarpanch of Konabira Panchayat under Komna block in the district turned good samaritan and helped performing last rites of a Covid-19 patient who was shunned by the locals and family members.
According to sources, one elderly man identified as Pili Nayak had tested positive for Covid-19 and was in isolation. He, however, succumbed to the dreaded virus on Tuesday morning.
When the news of his death was spread in the village, no one turned up to lend a helping hand for his last rites. Finding no other options, Sarpanch, Nayak called up the medical officer and then Komna Block Development Officer (BDO) to inform about the incident following which PPE kits were sent and the cremation was completed wearing the same.
Narrating the incident, Nayak said, “One Pili Nayak died of Covid-19 this morning, but no villagers turned up for his last rites. Then I called medical officer and BDO,” said Nayak.
“On being informed about the incident, the BDO sent four PPE kits. Later, four relatives of the deceased performed the last rites by following all Covid-19 guidelines issued by the government,” he added.