103 positive in Cachar; only 30 ICU beds left at SMCH, “60 more bed by May 2,” Himanta Biswa Sarma

District Health Department informed that till 6:00 pm on Saturday, 103 individuals in Cachar have tested positive for COVID19. This marks the record for one-day spike in 2021.

Meanwhile, Dr. Bhaskar Gupta vice principal of Silchar Medical College and Hospital informed that 36 patients are currently undergoing treatment at the COVID block of the hospital. 26 of them are in COVID ward while 10 are in ICU. Dr. Gupta informed three patients are under ventilator and five are on oxygen support.

It is worth mentioning that Silchar Medical College and Hospital is the only government facility in Barak Valley with capabilities of treating symptomatic patients. The hospital has only 40-ICU beds in the new intensive care section. The new section was inaugurated by health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in September and he had said on record that 60 more ICU beds will be added by January 2021. However, it did not happen for reasons unknown.

The district hospitals were also urged to add intensive care unit and ventilators were shipped by ‘PM Cares’. The district hospitals are yet to install the machines and train the technicians to handle ICU. In such a scenario, a year later, it is again the SMCH that will have to take all the load.

Today, the health minister shared some positive news. “My PWD team is working closely with faculty of Silchar Medical College & Hospital to expedite setting up of a 60-bed ICU for emergency support and Covid management. I am sure this shall get functional by May 2, 2021,” Sarma posted on his Facebook.

Six air passengers have also tested positive for the virus today.