Palghar: With one more death, a number of fatalities has reached to 15 in a fire in ICU ward at second floor in Vijay Vallabh hospital at Virar in Palghar district at wee hours on Friday, official sources said.
There were a total of 83 patients including the 17 in the ICU the sources said at the time of the mishap.
DCP Sanjay Patil said a case was registered under section 304, 337 and 338 rw 34 of the IPC against the staff, management and a doctor with the Arnala police station.
However, no arrest was made so far in this connection, DCP added.
Mah: 15 dead in fire at Vijay Vallabh Hospital
Anxiety Amid Covid-19
Covid-19 is turning out to be the most devastating public health crisis India has ever seen, and systemic failures are apparent all around. Jammu and Kashmir is no exception. The cases continue to grow and there seems to be no end to it. On Thursday India recorded the world’s highest single-day spike in the last 24 hours, as per the data provided by the Union Health Ministry. In this month alone, around 23000 cases were added to the burgeoning tally while 94 people succumbed in Jammu and Kashmir. The second covid-19 has whiplashed on the economy and society is going to have a telling effect at a time when the financial system is yet to recover. A number of studies have recently shown that there is relatively lesser impact on the very rich and the very poor by the economic shock induced by the covid-19 pandemic.
These studies argue that the very rich can absorb such shocks while the very poor are numbed by chronic poverty—their condition could not be worse than what it already is. It is the middle class that is hit worst by the pandemic. It is likely that the blows from the present and coming waves would be far more fatal than that of the first one. The pandemic threatens to crumble the middle class into the heap of the poor. Jobs were lost previously and the contemporary situation threatens to be more pronounced. Unemployment creates economic distress and a number of social problems. Beyond doubt, anxiety and stress levels are much higher for an unemployed person and the sense of alienation one goes through in such a scenario can be devastating. Researches have shown that there has been a substantial increase in substance abuse, domestic violence have increased while psychiatric disorders become widespread and more pronounced. It can rip apart families, increase adverse effects on one’s self-esteem and confidence.
The pandemic only threatens to be driven by intense feelings of anxiety and despair when the world is no longer predictable and safe amid traumatic memories of the death of a partner, parent, or loved ones for a lot of people.
Also, the mental health issues in the context of the pandemic are more complex and challenging.
Going forward is going to be challenging. There is a need for developing and implementing programs aimed at enhancing resilience and treating individuals struggling with mental health issues as a consequence of COVID-19 and that too on urgent basis.
Metro rail projects for Srinagar, Jammu: J&K awaits approval to DPRs, funding
By: Ibni Maqbool
Srinagar: Jammu & Kashmir is awaiting the Government of India’s approval to the Detailed Projects Reports(DPRs)and external funding for the ambitious metro rail projects for Srinagar and Jammu cities.
Documents in possession of The Precious Kashmir reveal that administration of the Union Territory is awaiting the approval/appraisal of DPRs of these two projects along with funding from the Union Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs.
The DPRs of the projects were submitted to the Centre after Administrative Council headed by then Lieutenant Governor, GC Murmu on February 6 last year approved the proposal of Housing & Urban Development Department’s to set up elevated light rail system in both the capital cities of J&K Union Territory.
The DPRs of these projects were prepared by the Rail India Technical and Economic Service(RITES) Limited.
According to documents, Jammu and Kashmir has sought the Government of India’s support to get external funding for these projects.
It is pushing for funding from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for these projects.
The investment cost is supposed to be Rs 4,825 crore for Jammu light metro and Rs 5,734 crore for Srinagar light metro.
The light rail transit System in Jammu will have its one corridor from Bantalab to Bari Brahmana with an entire length of 23 kilometres whereas in Srinagar it will have two corridors, the first one is from Indira Nagar to HMT Junction and the second is from Usmanabad to Hazuri Bagh, with an entire length of 25 kilometres.
The elevated light rail systems were conceived for Srinagar and Jammu cities to facilitate easy and quick movement of people in both the capitals.
If you have Covid, I bet one to ten you will get well: J&K’s top doctor
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir’s renowned neurologist, Dr. Sushil Razdan said on Thursday that the panic associated with more and more Covid cases coming to light is unfounded because 99 per cent of the infected people will always recover and be able to lead a normal life.
Speaking exclusively to IANS, Dr. Razdan said, “The panic that is gripping us as the number of daily reported positive cases has been increasing is completely unfounded.
“People must learn from the past. When Polio myelitis would spread after becoming an epidemic, only one per cent of the infected people would get paralysis. The rest would improve virtually without any treatment”.
Taking cue from his unmatched experience as a clinician, Dr. Razdan said that those who recover after getting infected with Covid have been leading completely normal lives.
Asked about the latest studies published in the Lancet medical journal which says that the neurological fallout of Covid infection is becoming a major worry among the medical fraternity, Dr. Razdan said, “This does not mean everybody who fought the virus successfully would have a neurological residue.”
“Even those facing such problems among the fringe of those who successfully fought Covid get along well enough to lead normal lives”.
Dr. Razdan says that it might sound too optimistic, but the fact is that 99 per cent of the infected people will get well irrespective of whether they are treated at a specialised facility or not.
“Not everyone among the Covid positive patients needs specialised attention. The vast majority of the positive cases will get well anyway. I am not trying to be unprofessionally optimistic.
“I say so because our experience of dealing with Covid-19 has taught us that to panic and run to the hospital is not needed at all.
“In the hospital the patient is isolated, can’t see his/her near and dear ones for weeks. Even the doctors had the paramedics are in protective gear. Their faces are not visible. It becomes a robotic life which terribly disturbs the patient.
“Unless a patient has breathing distress including constant cough and high fever that refuses to relent, there is no need for such a patient to rush to the hospital.
“The second most important thing is that the infected person should consult a general physician who would be the best judge to decide whether the patient needs specialised indoor attention or not.
“Our physicians have gathered enough experience during the last one year to decide the best course of treatment.
“Hospitals should avoid admitting patients without a referral from a local government or private physician.
“As I said earlier, 99 per cent of the infected people are going to get well anyway.”
“By over-crowding the hospitals we are actually denying the remaining one per cent the vital chance of being treated at a hospital which is most important for such cases,” Dr. Razdan insists.
Asked as to what would be his message to the people presently infected with Covid-19 in the country, Dr. Razdan smiled, “Don’t panic, just relax. I can bet one to 10 that you will get well. During last one year of scientific evaluation two facts have emerged, vaccine and mask are two tools which protect and prevent”.
The doctor said that we should get vaccinated as the vaccine gives us the protection against the virus.
“If you get a bullet-proof jacket during a war, why should you deny it? The vaccine does not guarantee that one will not get infected, but it does guarantee that you have enough protection to fight the invader,” Dr. Razdan said.
COVID-19 second wave refuses to relent
By: Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir reported 1965 fresh covid-19 cases while eight more people succumbed to the virus in the last 24 hours, officials said on Thursday.
They said 789 cases were confirmed from Jammu Division and 1176 from Kashmir Valley, taking the total infection count to 154407. Among the cases include 243 travelers—108 in Jammu division and 135 in Kashmir—besides 12 minors and six security forces men.
Providing district wise details, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 590 cases, Baramulla 198, Budgam 68, Pulwama 62, Kupwara 54, Anantnag 105, Bandipora 13, Ganderbal 23, Kulgam 35, Shopian 28, Jammu 469, Udhampur 68, Rajouri 45, Doda 27, Kathua 31, Samba 31, Kishtwar 15, Poonch 13, Ramban 39 and Reasi 51. There are 16094 actives cases in the J&K—6761 in Jammu and 9333 in Kashmir. Moreover, they said, 791 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—242 from Jammu Division and 549 from the Valley.
Regarding the fresh deaths, they said, two were from Jammu division and six from valley.
A number of these cases were confirmed at SKIMS Soura, and GMC Anantnag’s diagnostic laboratories.
The SKIMS cases include female (15) and male (17) from Badipora Budgam, male (28) from Borwah Budgam, male (37) and female (52) from Hafroo Budgam, female (30) from Rawalpora Beerwah Budgam, female (38) from Latina Beerwah, male (50) from Utligam Beerwah, male (30) from Ganjlalpora Budgam, female (25) from Bonzanigam Budgam, female (34) from Badran Magam, two females (34, 19) from Soibugh Budgam, male (60) from Chattabugh Budgam, male (31) from Daharmunna Budgam, male (30) from Wadwan Budgam, male (75) and female (42) from Mehjoor Nagar, male (06) from Wussan, male (45) from Archanderhama Budgam, male (40) from Karhama, male (33) from Zoorigund, male (54) from Bemina, female (28) from Razwen, female (30) from Nandwand Pora Khansahib, male (40) from Bazar Mohalla Ompora, male (22) from Housing Colony Ompora, male (41) and female (38) from Lakhripora Budgam, female (58) from Gogjibagh, male (45) from Coperative Colony Peerbagh, male (59) and female (55) from Khansahib Budgam, two females (20, 28) from Yarikhah Budgam, two males (34, 26) from Nowbug Chadoora, female (35) from Rawalpora Srg, three males (05, 70, 37) and female (38) from Charisharief, male (02) and female (39) from Nowhar Charisharief, male (60) from Nowgam, male (45) from Sanatnagar, three females (08, 30, 65) from Hardlatina Budgam, two males (53, 24) from Beerwah Budgam, male (40) and female (19) from Soibugh, two males (23, 30) from Soibugh, two males (24, 40) from Astanpora Soibugh, two females (15, 14) and male (18) from Dobiwan Kunzer, male (42) and female (40) from Dobiwan Kunzer, male (38) from Rawalpora Srg, male (20) and female (50) from Gulbarg Colony Srg, two females (40, 14) from Post Office Lane Hyderpora Srg, female (09) from Riyan Enclave Humhama Srg, male (38) and two females (11, 06) from Astan Mohalla Humhama Srg, male (45) from Bugroo Budgam, male (40) and two females (15, 68) from Kaisermullah Chadoora Budgam, male (29) from Charisharief Budgam, two females (48, 16) and male (15) from Kanipora Main road Budgam, female (75) from Nowpora Khayam, female (35) and male (07) from Pahroo Main Road Budgam, female (46) and male (20) from S K Bagh Main Budgam, three females (58, 43, 19) and male (65) from Main Chowk Nowgam, female (57) from Rawalpora, female (42) from Mehjoor Nagar, two males (45, 41) from Bukhari House Srg, male (35) from 73 Bn Crpf Bemina Srg, two males (39, 44) from Ccc Rtc Iv Humhama, male (32) from Gc Crpf Rambagh Srg, male (27) from Chukar Pattan, male (45) from Ussan Pattan, male (38) from Hamray Pattan, male (24) from Palhallan Pattan, male (30) from Handwara, male (24) from Hyderbeigh Pattan, male (65) from Pattan Bla, female (08) from Wanigam Bala Baramulla, male (16) from T 20 Tulsi Bagh Srg, two males (10, 60) and female (06) from Rangreth, two females (14, 15) and male (54) from Pinjoora Shpn, male (70) from Kanipora Shpn, male (45) from Malik Mohalla, female (07) from Zawoora Shpn, male (29) from Parispora Tangmarg, male (45) from Kawoosa Magam, male (50) from Waniloo Tangmarg, female (35) from Khag Budgam, female (60) from Chandil Tangmarg, three females (26, 08, 55) and two males (55, 46) from Airport Staff Budgam, male (28) from Zoonimar Srg, male (50) from Rainawari, female (26) and male (68) from Makhdoom Sahib, male (35) from Soura, female (52) from Naseembagh, male (46) from Boniyar Baramulla, female (48) and male (62) from Soura, male (37) from Malabagh, male (65) from Check Ganderbal, male (28) from Lal Bazar, male (29) from Warpoh, female (45) from Zakura, two females (28, 57) from Buchpora, female (28) and male (50) from Soura, female (27) from Naseembagh, female (40) from Bemina, male (41) from Elahibagh, male (40) from Nowshera, male (23) from Chadoora, two females (17, 27) from Buchpora, female (74) from Housing Srg, female (60) from Handwara, male (70) from Padgampora, male (39) from Dobra Leh, male (45) from Hakura Ang, male (70) from Lal Bazar, male (33) from Bemina Srg, female (35) from Ari Gutnoosa Kulgam, male (60) from Chanapora, female (32) from Batmaloo, female (NA) from Tral Pul, two females (26, 54) from Buchpora, male (27) from Bihar, male (34) from Shalimar, male (37) from Elahibagh, female (55) from 90 Feet Road Srg, two males (17, 50) from Buchpora Srg, male (80) from Nowshera, female (43) from Kargil, female (40) from Zakura, male (02) and female (32) from Zoonimar, two females (45, 15) from Pampore Pul, male (40) from Lal Chowk Srg, female (09) from Pampore Pul, male (30) from Bemina, male (33) from Humhama, female (34) from Elahibagh, male (55) from Bemina, female (69) from Khag Budgam, female (60) from Tangmarg Baramulla, male (70) from Budshah Nagar, female (25) from Handwara Kupwara.
The GMC Anantnag cases include male (33) from Khudwani, male (24) from Kokernag, female (60) and male (65) from Wazirpora, female (35) from Kanipora, male (21) from Bugam, female (50) from Khudwani, male (50) from Ganjipora, male (50) from Baderpora, female (50) from Yaripora, female (50) from Qaimoh, male (50) from Brazloo, male (50) from Chader, female (50) and male (50) from Danew, female (50) from Yaripora, seven males (50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50, 50) from Wanpoh, female (43) from Awantipora Pul, two males (34, 68) and female (64) from Chevakhurud Pul, male (13) from Barpora Pul, female (10) and male (10) from Prichoo Pul, male (31) from GDC Pul, male (49) from Pahoo, female (40) from Pinglena, male (25) from Tumlehal, female (28) from New Colony, female (30) from Bellow Pul, female (31) from Rohmoo Rajpora, male (29) from Bellow Pul, three males (27, 28, 28) from Pulwama, male (27) from Rohmoo Pul, male (50) from Mitrigam Pul, female (50) and male (28) from Awantipora, two males (45, 58) from Saimoh, male (47) from Pastuna, female (27) from Pinglish, male (72) from Panner, male (36) from Lajoora, male (59) and female (59) from Kakapora, female (34) from Zaintrag Khrew, female (44) from Munpora, male (61) from Mandekpal Khrew, male (34) from Frestbal Pampore, female (38) from Ratnipora, female (30) from Barsoo Awantipora, male (27) from Tulbagh Pampore, male (45) from Dalgate, male (45) from Drangbal Pampore, male (38) from Zaffron Colony, male (57) from Patalbagh, male (23) from Sharshali, ten males (27, 35, 30, 46, 30, 18, 19, 60, 48, 26) from Cemtac Cement, male (32) from Guree, male (50) from Frisal, male (35) from Kadipora, five males (56, 18, 20, 50, 19) from Pingwan Trahpoo, female (25) from Thajwara Ang, male (45) from Sanabard Ang, male (35) from Anchidora Ang, male (30) from Monghall Ang, male (47) from Shirpora Ang, male (50) from Dailgam Ang, male (55) from Banagund, female (70) from Sakhras, male (40) from SK Colony, male (35) from Batakote, male (20) from Anzwalla, male (20) from Qazibagh and female (35) from Nai Basti. (GNS)
Situation under control, medicine, beds available in sufficient quantity: Advisor Bhatnagar
By: Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said that the Covid-19 situation in the UT is very much under control and all the requirements are available in sufficient quantity.
While talking to KNO, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar said that in every hospital of Jammu and Kashmir there is a sufficient quantity of oxygen, medicines and beds available to treat the patients.
Rajan Prakash Thakur, Principal Secretary to Government Industries and Commerce department, who is head of the high level to ensure adequate and timely supply of medical oxygen to all hospitals said that as of now only half of the available oxygen supply is being utilized in the UT and the situation is under control besides that oxygen is even supplied to the industries that have been allowed to get the supply as per MHA guidelines.
“I am taking hourly stock of the situation to ensure adequate and timely supply of medical oxygen to all hospitals for meeting the requirement of Covid patients,” he said.
Top health officials said that several oxygen plants are being installed which are near completion to further boost the oxygen supply in J&K.
“Oxygen plants of over 1000 LPM at various district hospital is near completion which will further enhance oxygen supply in J&K,” they said.
Medical Superintendent at JVC Bemina Dr Shifa Deva said that as of now, there is adequate oxygen supply and other things at the hospital and if the need arises rest will be done accordingly.
She said that one oxygen plant with a capacity of 750 litres per minute is functional and another plant with the same capacity is expected to get complete this week which will further strengthen the supply.
Nodal officer for Covid-19 at JLNM hospital Srinagar Dr Bilqees Shah said that at present a plant with a capacity of 350 litres per minute is functional at the hospital besides that another plant with capacity of 3000 litres per minute is about to get complete.
She said that one portion of the under-construction plant with the capacity of 1000 litres per minute is complete and as of now there is adequate oxygen supply in the hospital.
Principal GMC Anantnag Showkat Jeelani said at present we have 1300 LPM oxygen supply available and a plant of 2000 more LPM is near completion and will get completed in one week.
J&K government in October last year had said that they will spend Rs 212 crore for augmenting medical oxygen supply in health care institutes across the UT.
KU V-C Prof Talat admitted to SKIMS, Rohit Kansal tests positive
By: Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar: Professor Talat Ahmad, Vice Chancellor Kashmir University, has been admitted to SKIMS Soura, days after testing positive for the covid-19, official sources said on Thursday.
They said that Talat is suffering from bilateral covid pneumonia and was admitted to SKIMS Soura where his condition is now stated to be stable.
Dr G H Yatoo, Nodal Officer coronavirus control measures at SKIMS Soura, told GNS that professor Talat Ahmad was admitted around 9 p.m. last night with “bilateral pneumonia.”
“His condition is stable,” Dr Yatoo, added. Sources said that oxygen saturation of Talat Ahmad fell last night and was immediately shifted to the hospital.
Meanwhile, Principal Secretary Power Development Department and government spokesman Rohit Kansal tested positive for covid-19. “After dodging the Coronavirus for the entire last year, I have tested positive today; have some symptoms- but my spirits are high,” he said in a tweet. (GNS)
India reports world’s highest single-day spike, 3.14 lakh test positive
New Delhi: India reported the world’s highest-ever single-day surge with 3,14,835 new cases, pushing the total infections to 1,59,30,965, Union Health Ministry data reported on Thursday.
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control (USCDC), the new cases are the highest single-day rise reported anywhere in the world. The highest yet for the USA was +3,13,310 on January 8, 2021.
In yet another record, 2,104 deaths were reported in the past 24 hrs, taking the overall death toll to 1,84,657.
With 1,78,841 patients having treated since Wednesday, the total number of recoveries now stands at 1,34,54,880. The country currently has 22,91,428 active cases.
States like Maharashtra reported 67.5k new cases, Uttar Pradesh 33.1k, Delhi 24.6k, Karnataka 23.6k in one day.
In view of the continuous surge in infection cases, The Maharashtra government has announced fresh restrictions on office attendance, marriage ceremonies and travel. The new set of restrictions will come into effect from 2000 hrs on Thursday and will remain in force until 0700 hrs on May 1. Goa also decided to impose a night curfew till April 30 to tackle the pandemic.
Meanwhile, several small hospitals in Delhi struggled to replenish oxygen supply for coronavirus patients on Thursday morning, even as some big healthcare facilities received fresh stock overnight.
Hospitals in the city have been grappling with a shortage of oxygen supply amid spiralling COVID-19 cases. The Delhi High Court had on Wednesday night ordered the Centre to “forthwith” provide oxygen by whatever means to hospitals here facing shortage of the gas in treating serious COVID-19 patients.
Despite the rising number of cases, polling is underway in West Bengal, which registered its highest-ever single-day spike, with 9,819 people testing positive.
In other news, twenty-four Covid-19 patients died at a hospital run by the Nashik Municipal Corporation on Wednesday after oxygen supply was disrupted due to a leakage in the main oxygen storage tank.
On the vaccination front, total 13,23,30,644 people have been administered COVID-19 jabs since January 16, with 22,11,334 people being inoculated since yesterday.
Presently, India is accounting for 40 per cent of world’s infections
Shrine Board suspends registration for Amarnath Yatra
Jammu: Taking note of the sharp rise in COVID-19 cases, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board on Thursday decided to temporarily suspend registrations for this year’s Shree Amarnath Yatra.
It was also noted that government has taken a large number of measures to reduce the spread of infection through night curfews, 50 percent reductions in shop opening, 50 percent restrictions on public transport passengers, closure of schools and colleges, etc.
Considering the evolving situation across the country and Union territory alike, it was decided to defer registrations for the Amarnath Yatra 2021.
It was informed that the situation is being constantly monitored and the registrations will reopen once the COVID spread is reviewed as the situation evolves.
The Board had commenced registrations on April 1, and the arrangements were on track since February, 2021 for a successful conduct of the pilgrimage which is expected to start from June 28, 2021.
The decision has been taken to check any unnecessary gatherings.
COVID situation grim: Apex Court
Seeks Centre’s response to logistical support for oxygen, drug movement
New Delhi: As various state governments scamper for oxygen supplies and essential drugs for Covid-19 patients, the Supreme Court on Thursday sought the Centre’s response on coordination of logistical support for inter-state and intra-state transportation and distribution of oxygen and essential drugs.
A bench, headed by Chief Justice S.A. Bobde and comprising Justices L. Nageswara Rao and S. Ravindra Bhat, said: “The situation in various parts of the country is grim. There seems to be a sudden surge in the number of Covid patients and mortality.”
The bench noted that drugs, oxygen and vaccination availability and distribution must be done in an even-handed manner according to the advice of the health authorities which undoubtedly take into account relevant factors like severity, susceptibility, the number of people affected and the local availability of resources.
“We expect the Central government to place before this Court a national plan for dealing with the above services and supplies during pandemic,” the top court said in its order.
During the hearing, the Chief Justice observed: “The present situation is like national emergency.”
The bench added: “In these circumstances, we direct that notices be issued to the Union government, the state Governments/Union Territories and the parties, who appeared to have approached the High Courts to show cause why uniform orders be not passed by this Court in relation to a) Supply of oxygen; b) Supply of essential drugs; c) Method and manner of vaccination; and d) Declaration of lockdown.”
The top court sought a report from Centre on the existence and requirement of setting up of a coordinating body that would consider allocation of resources in a consultative manner (with the involvement of states and Union Territories concerned).
“Considering declaration of essential medicines and medical equipment including the above articles as essential commodities in relation to Covid. In respect of coordination of logistical support for inter-state and intra-state transportation and distribution of the above resources,” said the top court, seeking Centre’s response.
The top court also noted that High Courts across the country are hearing petitions in connection with crisis of oxygen supply, hospital beds and shortage of the anti-viral drug Remdesivir in hospitals.
The bench noted that six High Courts — Delhi, Bombay, Sikkim, MP, Calcutta and Allahabad — were dealing with issues related with Covid management and it was creating confusion.
“The High Courts have passed certain orders which may have the effect of accelerating and prioritising the services to a certain set of people and slowing down the availability of these resources to certain other groups whether the groups are local, regional or otherwise,” said the top court.
It also appointed senior advocate Harish Salve as amicus curiae in the matter.
The bench will continue with hearing on the matter on Friday.
