By: Afaq Bhat
Srinagar: The second wave of COVID-19 has created ripples in Kashmir. The authorities are urging people to visit the nearest vaccination centers and get a jab.
Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Aijaz Asad, while reacting to the surge in Covid cases tweeted: “Last year, this day we were fighting without vaccine! By now, 80 Covid vaccination centres have been set up in the (Srinagar) district. Please visit your nearest centre to take the jab & let’s fight from the position of strength.”
Even the doctors and experts are asking people to get themselves vaccinated. But the big question which everyone seems to be asking is that whether the vaccines are effective against the new variant or not?
Wire agency IANS on Wednesday reported that a successful doctor couple in their 60s, in Lucknow, received both doses of Covid vaccine last month and after that they resumed private practice at their clinic. But to their horror, both of them were found Covid positive again.
They were not alone as news emerged from Lucknow that at least 40 doctors of King George’s Medical University (KGMU), including Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (retd) Vipin Puri, have tested positive for novel coronavirus, despite most of them taking both the doses of the vaccine.
Experts are of the opinion that the COVID-19 variant has mutated and genetic testing is needed to study behavior of the virus. Most people associated with the medical profession are of the firm belief that vaccines are the only potent weapon to develop herd immunity and fight the pestilence. “When vaccines were introduced people were reluctant as misconceptions had been created about the possible side effects. But during all these months, people who got vaccinated did not complain about any side effects. Now, more and more people are coming forward to get a COVID-19 jab. It’s a good sign,” said a medico.
He said, “Cases about people testing Covid positive after receiving the vaccines have come to fore but the number has not been that high. The COVID-19 sops need to be followed even after getting vaccinated as the virus is just one year old and it will take some more time to eradicate it completely. People who catch COVID even after getting vaccinated have higher chances of survival. This fact cannot be discounted. Ones who are claiming that the jabs are not working are creating a wrong notion. We are in a much better position than last year.”
‘After 1-year we’re in a better position to fight COVID-19’
It is doctors versus doctors at GMC Anantnag
By: Ahmad Shabir
Anantnag: At Government Medical College (GMC) Anantnag, it is doctors versus doctors since the day the institution has started functioning.
From last one week the divide has widened. The divide between the doctors can be guessed from the fact that medicos from Health Department and ones from Health and Medical Education (HME) have formed two associations in the same hospital.
The first association named Medical Faculty Association (MFA), GMC Anantnag was formed last by the doctors recruited as assistant professors by the HME.
Sources in the college said that the formation of association by the doctors from HME did not go well with the doctors from Health Department for the reasons that the former did not include even the single senior most doctor.
However, a few days back , the doctors and para-medics from Health Department posted the Medical College also came up with a separate association and named it as health employees association GMC hospital Anantnag to fight what they termed as “ill treatment” on part of GMC authorities and some top doctors from HME working in the medical college.
Spokesperson of the Health Employees Association GMC Anantnag, Dr Owais H Dar said that doctors from DHSK working in the medical college are being ignored and ill treated by both the GMC authorities including some top doctors from HME.
“To fight this ill treatment we decided to come up with a separate association. Despite working tirelessly even the seniors doctors from Health Department working in the Medical College are being completely ignored and looked down upon,” Dr Owais said.
He cited the example of the recently held hospital council meeting by the GMC authorities in which not a single doctor from the Health Department, not even senior consultants were invited.
HEAGMC Anantnag Dr Owais said, will soon show its strength to convey a message to the GMC authorities.
The GMC Anantnag is jointly run by the doctors from HME and DHSK. More than 50 percent of doctors working in the hospital, according to officials, are from Health Department while as almost all the para-medical staff working in the GMC associated hospital is also from Health Department.
General secretary of the association and a senior dental surgeon, Dr Adil Wani seconded Dr Owais saying ,”Doctors from Health Department working in the medical college hospital are being ignored to the hilt,”.
“Even A grade consultants from Health Department working in the hospital for ten years are not taken into confidence by the GMC authorities,” Dr Wani said.
“Not all are same. There are some HODs who posses healing touch. They treat everyone equally but there are others who consider themselves as supreme. Though this was going on in the hospital since the day one but now enough is enough. We are not going to tolerate this anymore,” Dr Wani said.
He said that doctors from Health Department during of peak of COVID-19 last year were even denied their earned leaves and APs were allowed to go on vacations. “Is not this discrimination?” he questioned.
Principal, GMC , Anantnag, Dr Showkat Jeelani said that there is nothing wrong in forming an association but denied that there is any discrimination against any doctors.
He, however , said that if they have any issues or grievances they should convey it through their seniors.
LG orders Corona night curfew in 8 J&K districts
Srinagar: Amid spike in the number of COVID -19 cases in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has ordered imposing “Corona curfew” from 10 pm to 6 am in the urban areas of eight districts, five of them in Kashmir and three in Jammu division from Friday.
“Directed the Divisional administration to impose Corona curfew from 10 pm to 6 am in the urban areas of 8 districts affected by the recent #COVID spike. These districts are #Jammu, #Udhampur, #Kathua, #Srinagar, #Baramulla, #Budgam, #Anantnag and #Kupwara,” the LG tweeted.
“The curfew will be in force in the municipal limits of the Urban Local Bodies of these districts. This will come into effect from Friday, 9 April 2021, 10 pm. #Reasi Distt will be under close observation for any possible spikes in cases.”
COVID-19: J&K witnesses this year’s highest spike, 835 test positive
Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday witnessed highest surge in COVID-19 cases this year as 835 more people tested positive for the pestilence. Also one death was reported in Kashmir.
An official spokesman said that 555 cases were reported in Kashmir and 280 in Jammu region. The total number of COVID-19 cases reported till date has risen to 135662. Moreover, 246 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals including 22 from Jammu Division and 224 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), out of 135662 positive cases, 5623 are Active Positive, 128020 have recovered and 2019have died; 745 in Jammu division and 1274 in Kashmir division.
The Bulletin further said that out of 6373912 test results available, 6238250 samples have been tested as negative till April 8.
Till date 1575505 persons have been enlisted for observation which included 59857 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 5623 in isolation and 124174in home surveillance.
Besides, 1383832 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Jammu DM cancels permissions for fairs, exhibitions
Jammu: District Magistrate, Jammu, under section 144 of CrPC read with relevant provisions under Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and the Disaster Management Act, 2005, has cancelled all the permissions for fairs and exhibitions in the district in view of sudden spike in number of COVID Positive cases.
“It has been made to appear to me, in view of the situation emerging due to COVID-19 in District Jammu, that there is sufficient ground for proceeding under Section 144 of CrPC for immediate prevention or speedy remedy is desirable to prevent danger to human life, health or safety,” an order issued by the DM stated, adding “Now, therefore, I, Anshul Garg, District Magistrate, Jammu, vide powers conferred upon me under section 144 of CrPC read with relevant provisions under the Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and the Disaster Management Act, 2005 do hereby order that all the permissions issued for holding exhibitions and fairs shall be deemed to have been expired forthwith.
The organisers of these exhibitions shall wind up their operations within 24 hours and concerned Sub Divisional Magistrates shall submit compliance report to this office, the order added.
As per the order, any violation of this order shall invite punitive action under section 188 of Indian Penal Code and other relevant sections of Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 and the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
HC puts of physical hearing of cases in abeyance
Srinagar: In compliance of the order issued by High Court of J&K, the physical hearing of the cases has been kept in abeyance for the time being and the hearing of the cases in the district and subordinate courts will be conducted through virtual mode till April 18, 2021.
However, as per an official statement, liberty has been granted to learned counsel for both the parties for taking up their respective matter through physical mode subject to their consent.
It was given out that on the written consent for physical appearance, (with case details, the name of the court in which case is pending and CNR number of the case) the Presiding officer of the concerned court taking into consideration the urgency involved, apart from virtual hearing, may, where the learned counsel for the parties/parties in person involved give their consent to appear for physical hearing, permit physical hearing in Criminal trials where accused is/are in custody, Matrimonial Cases, Cases under Section 138 of Negotiable Instruments Act, Compromise matters or in any other matters, as deemed desirable in the courts under his/her jurisdiction.
With regard to the Motor Accident claims pending before MACT, the parties shall approach the Presiding officer MACT directly through virtual mode for grant of permission for appearance physically.
Besides for filing of the fresh Petitions, it shall be incumbent upon all Presiding Officers to get the Petitions, so received by them through virtual mode, generated at the Institution/Filing counter so that the file is properly diarized on OS.
The courts have been directed to function in batches with 25 per cent reduction on rotation basis. The roster in this regard shall he formulated by the concerned Presiding Officer of the court. The officials, who as per the roster are not on duty in the office, shall not leave the station and shall remain available on telephone and electronic means of communication at all times.
Further, the staff on duty in courts and the counsel appearing physically have been directed to take necessary precautions, ensure physical distancing, wearing of masks and observance of SOPs and guidelines issued by the respective Government from time to time.
37 doctors test positive in Delhi hospital, many had received both doses of vaccine
New Delhi: As many as 37 vaccinated doctors at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital have tested Covid positive, hospital sources said on Thursday.
Majority of these doctors have mild symptoms while a few have been hospitalised as they complained of uneasiness.
Of the 37 doctors, 32 are in home isolation and five are admitted in the hospital.
All the doctors were infected while serving Covid patients at the hospital despite many having already received both doses of the vaccine during first phase of inoculation that was started on January 16 covering health care workers.
PM Modi takes 2nd Covid jab
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday received the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine here at the city’s premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), giving a message to the people that “vaccination is among the few ways we have, to defeat the virus”.
The Prime Minister also advised the citizens through a Twitter message: “If you are eligible for the vaccine, get your shot soon. Register on CoWin.gov.in.”
“Got my second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine at AIIMS today (Thursday). Vaccine is among the few ways we have, to defeat the virus,” Modi tweeted.
He also posted a photograph while taking the second jab.
The Prime Minister has taken Covaxin, India’s homegrown vaccine developed by Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech.
The two nurses who administered the Covid-19 vaccine to the Prime Minister on Thursday are P. Niveda from Puducherry and Nisha Sharma from Punjab.
Niveda was also involved in administering the first dose of Covid to the Prime Minister on March 1.
He was the first beneficiary on March 1 as the second phase of nationwide vaccination against the deadly pandemic began.
Amid the “second wave” of Covid-19 across the country, the Centre allowed administering vaccine shots at workplaces with around 100 eligible beneficiaries from April 11. Currently, people at the age of 45 and above are eligible for vaccination.
The Union Health Ministry recently said India has surpassed the US to become the fastest Covid-19 vaccinating country in the world with an average daily rate of 30,93,861 vaccine doses.
So far, over 9.01 crore Covid-19 vaccine doses have been administered in India, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.
Incoming travelers to undergo Covid-19 test at Lower Munda
Srinagar: In order to contain the spread of Coronavirus infection, all incoming travelers coming by road shall undergo testing at Lower Munda in district Kulgam.
These remarks were made by the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad while chairing a meeting to review Covid-19 related situation at TRC here.
He said that the testing for travelers coming by road shall be started in a couple of days as this would help in containing the spread of virus in the Valley.
The DC said that mass vaccination of hotel staff, drivers, houseboat staff and others concerned with the tourism sector as frontline workers shall be started across all tourist destinations.
Besides, he said that a special Covid-19 related training programme shall be conducted for the staff members to ensure that all SOPs are followed strictly while dealing with tourists and catering their services to the tourism sector.
He urged tourism stakeholders to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene in all hotels besides keep two rooms available for isolation of tourists in case they test positive.
Emphasizing on strict following of Covid-19 related SOPs, he said as shared responsibility, each stakeholder has to work with the concerned department as a team to ensure effective tourism as well as effective dealing with the pandemic.
On the occasion, Dr Gazalla, in charge Covid-19 testing at Airport deliberated on the importance of vaccination, trimming it as necessary to fight the pandemic.
She said that the vaccine is safe which ensures less morbidity and mortality incase vaccinated gets infected.
Various tourism stakeholders from Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg also attended the meeting and shared various concerns with the chair.
The tourism players raised various demands including hiring of separate hotel accommodation for isolation of infected tourists, permission to tourists to the valley only after their RT-PCR test reports, improvement in testing facility at the Airport and sanitation of hotels.
Commissioner SMC, Director Tourism, Director Health, CEOs of Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg Development Authorities attended the meeting. (GNS)
3 militants killed, AGuH chief trapped in Shiopian: Police
By: Umer Rashid
Srinagar: Three unidentified militants were killed and as many soldiers were injured in a gunfight in south Kashmir’s Shopian district of south Kashmir on Thursday.
A police officer while confirming the killing of the three militants told GNS that the “operation was going on”.
Earlier the gunfight broke out between militants and a joint team of Police, Army’s 44RR and CRPF in Jan Mohalla in main town.
As the joint team encircled the suspected spot following launching of a cordon-and -search operation, the hiding militants fired which was retaliated, triggering off the gunfight.
“Chief of proscribed (militant) outfit AGuH (JeM) is trapped. Operation is going on. Further details shall follow.” Police said in a tweet.
The identity of the slain militants is being established, the police officer said. He said three soldiers injured in the gunfight have been hospitalized. Sources said condition of one of them is stated to serious.
Meanwhile, the officer said that joint team has been trying to save mosque in the area. “The operation is likely to prolong,” he said.
