New Delhi, July 23: New COVID-19 cases in India rose 45,720 in past 24 hours, pushing the total Covid-19 tally in India over 12 lakh mark on Thursday, according to the Union Health Ministry data.

The death toll due to the disease rose to 29,861 with 1,129 fatalities reported in one day, while the total number of recoveries crossed 7.82 lakh.

The data updated today showed that the total number of COVID-19 cases stands at 12,38,635.

There are 4,26,167 active cases in the country, while 7,82,606 people have recovered and one person has migrated. In past 24 hours, a record 29,557 patients were declared cured, further expanding the difference between those who are active COVID patients and the recovered persons to 3,56,439.

According to the ICMR, a cumulative total of 1,50,75,369 samples have been tested up to July 22 with 3,43,243 samples being tested on Wednesday.

Srinagar, July 23: With the installation of sophisticated machinery for Plasmapheresis for COVID-19 patients, Director, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Dr A.G Ahangar Thursday made an earnest appeal to the recovered COVID-19 patients to come forward to donate their plasma and serve humanity at large.

“Together we can defeat this virus,” Director SKIMS and Ex-Officio Secretary to Government, Dr AG Ahangar said in a statement.

“This virus is novel and it has been behaving in a novel way. You never know today you can have 100 COVID-19 positive patients at hospital, tomorrow, the number can go up and vice-versa, so we have to remain ready and well equipped,” he said.

Dr Ahangar said that the recovered COVID-19 are warriors—who are helping the administration in fighting and defeating the novel virus.

“All the COVID-19 positive patients can be the saviors of humanity amid this crisis,” Dr Ahangar said.

“My message to the people is to remain stick to the WHO guidelines, health advisories and work together to fight the pandemic. People should know that COVID–19 is real. Stay home and stay safe,” he said, adding “Together we can fight and defeat deadly coronavirus.”

The Director said that SKIMS authorities are issuing an appeal to the Public at large to come forward for Plasma donation from those who were detected COVID-19 positive and recovered from it.

He said that SKIMS is continuing its endeavours to provide quality healthcare across Jammu and Kashmir and in this regard the Institute is in a process of installing more sophisticated machinery for conducting plasmapheresis for COVID-19 patients.

“We have already installed one sophisticated machine by which we will be now able to conduct plasmapheresis for COVID-19 patients with some precision and utmost professionalism ,” Dr Ahangar said. He said that SKIMS has started plasmapheresis—using Spectra Optia Cell Separator apheresis machine which is the state-of-art machine used for plasmapheresis in COVID patients.

“The machine was procured on a war-footing basis to combat the COVID-19 crisis and the machine is fitted with a highly sophisticated connector device,” he said.

Plasmapheresis has been used on a trial basis for COVID- 19 patients and has shown promising results.

It may be recalled here that Plasma Therapy was started for COVID patients about a month back at SKIMS. The Director said that the use of this machine is ideal for the extraction of plasma in donors who have recovered from this disease. He said that Plasmapheresis helps to extract more plasma per operation and returns the blood cells of the donor to him.

“This way more plasma can be extracted and one -timer a donor can donate for 2 patients. Since only Plasma is used a donor can donate plasma more frequently,” Dr Ahangar said.

He said that SKIMS has been issuing appeals to the public at large, professionals and all others willing to contribute in this direction to come forward and donate Plasma for saving the human lives.

The officials said that the management team for this CPT would screen the donors and the recipient based on the scientific principles of the quantum of the antibodies detected in the donors.

Pertinent to mention that given the ever increasing surge in the detection of positive patients as well as the ones reporting for treatment, this CPT has tremendous scope in the line of management for saving precious lives.

The helpline numbers in this regard and the Coordinator for this activity will be Dr Farooq A Jan, Medical Superintendent, SKIMS, 9419415196, Dr GH Yattoo, Nodal Officer, COVID-19, SKIMS, 9419415342 and Dr Romana Makhdoomi, Head, Blood Transfusion & Immuno-Hematology Department, 9419081223.

Srinagar, July 23: Amid spike in COVID cases, the government on Thursday sanctioned Rs 15 Crore under SDRF for SK Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Government Medical Colleges (GMC) Srinagar and Jammu.

The decision to sanction Rs five Crore each to the three health institutions was taken in a State Executive Committee meeting headed by the Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam.

Officials told KNO that Rs 15 Crore has been sanctioned under SDRF for SKIMS, GMC Jammu, and GMC Srinagar.

“Rs 5 Crore each has been sanctioned for the trio health institutions for setting up of additional testing labs, equipment, for PPEs and other COVID containment efforts.

“The amount sanctioned is over and above funds provided to Health department,” officials said

The funds shall be placed with Divisional Commissioners of Jammu as well as Kashmir for this purpose.

As per MHA guidelines, SDRF funds for COVID containment efforts in Government Hospitals can be utilized for setting up additional testing laboratories; procurement of personal protection equipment for health workers and other related consumables for government hospitals. It is pertinent to mention that this funding under SDRF is over and above the funding that is being provided to Health Department during the course of the year.

The meeting was attended by A. K. Mehta; Financial Commissioner, Finance; Pawan Kotwal; Financial Commissioner, Revenue and Simrandeep Singh, Secretary to the Government, Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction—(KNO)

Results of 50% awaited, 130 test positive

Suhail Khan

Srinagar, July 23: Authorities have collected samples of over 16,000 non-local labourers for COVID-19 testing at Qazigund toll post of which 130 have been tested positive for coronavirus so far.

Block Medical Officer (BMO) Qazigund Dr Zahoor Ahmad said they have collected samples of over 16,000 non-local labourers in the last 10 days who arrived in Kashmir.

“Fifty percent results have come so far of which 130 non-local labourers have been found positive for coronavirus,” Dr Zahoor told KINS.

He claimed that health officials were doing proper screening of all labourers who are arriving in Kashmir.

“The labourers are put in quarantine in respective districts,” he said.

He however said the order related to collection of samples of non-local labourers in their work districts has not been implemented yet. “So far, samples of all non-local labourers are collected at Qazigund toll post,” he added.

Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole claimed no one is entering Kashmir without COVID-19 testing. “All labourers are being tested and also kept in quarantine. Show us (government) one non-local labourer who entered Kashmir without collecting his sample for testing,” Pole said.

As per the guidelines issued by the Jammu and Kashmir government, all the passengers coming to J&K by train, air or road are supposed to remain under institutional quarantine for 14 days after being tested for coronavirus.

These labourers arriving in Kashmir however do not undergo any institutional quarantine. They are directly transported to brick kilns.

An official of the Labour Department said the non-local labourers are being brought to resume work on brick kilns. “We provide details about these labourers to the government,” he added.

Junaid Shah

Srinagar, July 23: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole Thursday said that violation of health advisories and guidelines resulted in a surge of COVID-19 cases in the valley.

Jammu and Kashmir has reported 15711 positive cases until Wednesday. The worst affected is the valley where maximum cases have been reported.

The Divisional Commissioner has stressed upon strictly using masks and adhering other government health guidelines.

“Government is concerned about people neglecting health advisories and guidelines resulting in surge of COVID-19 cases in the valley,” Divisional Commissioner Kashmir told KINS

As per the advisory, early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put the life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice,” the advisory reads.

Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water,” it reads.(KINS)

Faizan Wani

Srinagar, July 23: In what could be described as ‘sorry state of affairs’, a COVID-19 positive patient at Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial Hospital, Rainwari here, was lying unconscious in the corridor all through the night until he caught attention of some attendants in the morning and was shifted back to the ward.

Sources at JLNM hospital informed KNO that a patient who was diagnosed with COVID-19 and subsequently admitted in the hospital a few days ago was lying unconscious on the floor with no staff member present there to shift him back to the ward.

Sources said the patient aged about 50 was later shifted to Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura, in critical condition, after his family members created ruckus at JLNM hospital accusing doctors and paramedics of putting the patient’s life at risk.

The video of the patient has gone viral on social networking sites, with netizens criticizing the hospital authorities for leaving COVID-19 positive patients at the mercy of god.

“My father is undergoing treatment for jaundice at JLNM hospital. When I went out to get tea for my father this morning, I was shocked to see a COVID-19 patient lying unconscious in the hospital corridor. Before I could do anything, a flock of attendants also gathered at the spot and raised hue and cry,” an attendant who is witness to the fact told KNO.

He said the patient after gaining consciousness said he was out for a urinal and felt unconscious while returning back to ward. The witness said the attendant was lying all through the night in the corridor of the hospital before being shifted back to the ward in the morning.

Despite repeated attempts, Deputy Medical Superintendent, JLNM Hospital, Dr Tabasum could not be contacted for an official version.

Hospital sources while confirming the incident said there was no doctor or anyone among the paramedic staff present when the shocking episode which took everyone by surprise happened.

Ishtiyaq Ahmad

Srinagar, July 23:  Strict restrictions remained in place across Kashmir after the six day lockdown commenced on Thursday.

The lockdown was re-imposed in Kashmir after spike of COVID19 cases . However, Bandipora has been exempted from lockdown.

Authorities have sealed most of the roads and market places in all Red districts and placed concertina wires and barriers on the roads to stop public movement. However, some pictures showing traffic jam at Ram Bagh also went viral on social media, raising questions over the enforcing of lockdown to contain virus.

Under the fresh lockdown, construction activities and activities related to agriculture and horticulture are allowed as per Standard Operating Procedure.

Authorities have also allowed home delivery of essential items. District administrations have also notified helpline numbers for general public if they are in need to seek help.

COVID19 has affected more than 15700 people in J&K with good number of recovered and over 270 deaths.

Divisional administration said that decision about lockdown would be reviewed on 27 July, this year.

Information bulletin issued by the Government advised people to prevent the spread of disease by being “responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us”. “Not disclosing symptoms could put the life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice,” the bulletin said.

Junaid Shah
Srinagar July 23: Amid COVID-19 lockdown, authorities on Thursday said that employees of essential services have to attend duties while others have to verify from the concerned DC office.
Administration on Wednesday announced five day strict lockdown across Kashmir beginning from today in view of a surge in COVID-19 cases.
In a telephonic conversation with news agency KINS Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar said all employees of essential services have to attend their duties.
“Administration has made roasters for government employees and they need to follow those roasters accordingly,” he said.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole also said that all essential service employees have to attend their duties during this new lockdown period.
“However, employees of other departments have to contact their concerned DC offices for confirmation if they have to attend duties or not,” he told KINS.
District Development Commissioner Srinagar Shahid Chowdhary has issued an order which says, “Movement of essential services shall be regulated as follows:
Doctors and paramedics, hospital staff: Valid I-Cards along with duty slip/roster. Medical emergencies shall be attended on priority movement shall be facilitated.
Officials, personnel on COVID /Quarantine/Covid Care Centers duty serial numbered COVID tokens issued by District Disaster Management Authority.
Staff essential services department: Serial numbered COVID token along with I-d cards and, duty roster departments shall operate 30 % strength.
SMC: COVID tokens with serial numbers provided to staff on fumigation and other essential duties. Sanitation staff allowed on duty locally. Non-essential services, offices shall remain closed except staff/officials deployed in COVID containment measures.”
He has directed that all executive magistrates along with respective SHOs shall personally monitor enforcement of lockdown and take necessary action in case of violations.

e-inaugurates upgraded Government Spinning Mill, Nowshera

Precious Kashmir News

Srinagar, JULY 23: In order to give an impetus to the Silk and Wool sectors in J&K, the Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today inaugurated the Modernized and Upgraded Government Woollen Spinning Plant and Silk Filatures at Solina.

The Lt Governor also e-inaugurated Modernized Government Spinning Mill, Nowshera, Srinagar.

All these units have been modernized and upgraded at a total cost of Rs 16.22 cr with around Rs 9.06 cr being funded under languishing projects.

BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Manoj Kumar Dwivedi, Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Industries and Commerce, Pandurang K. Pole, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar; Sanjay Handoo, Managing Director, JK Industries and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

The Lt Governor appreciated the efforts of the Industries and Commerce Department to revive the units which had been closed and have been made fit for operation after decades.

He observed that with the operationalization of the units, the economic benefits would reach a large section of the society, especially those associated with cocoon and sheep rearing. A significant amount of raw silk and wool which was being sent outside J&K without any value addition, would now be processed and finished within J&K, he added.

The Lt Governor called for undertaking innovative strategy for creating markets for the manufactured products in these units at national and international level.

He also enquired about the interventions being made for the revival of the historical silk unit and asked the concerned officers to focus on enhancing viabilities of such business units as self-sustaining and employment generating public sector units.

The Lt Governor directed the I&C Department to carry out repair and renovation work of the buildings and surroundings of the Solina complex at the earliest without disturbing the architecture of heritage buildings. Further, as a long term measure, the Solina Complex should be developed as a cultural hub wherein arts, crafts and culture would be showcased, besides also acting as a focal point for craft shopping, cultural programs for local and tourists visiting J&K, he added.

The Lt Governor also took a round of the Woollen Spinning Plant and Silk Filatures and inspected various sections.

Commissioner Secretary to the Government, Industries and Commerce Department, Manoj Kumar Dwivedi informed the Lt Governor that the Silk filatures would have silk yarn production capacity of 40,000 kgs consuming around 1,20,000 kgs of cocoon, thus providing an assured market to around 10,000 cocoon rearers.

It was further informed that the Spinning Plant would be consuming around 2,00,000 kgs of local wool to produce around 1,50,000 kgs of yarn which would be weaved at Government Woollen Weaving Mills, Bemina to produce local tweed which has got good local and national market. In the coming times, this facility will render an effective market support to the local farmer families who will be benefitting by way of getting better remuneration for the raw wool.

e-inaugurates developmental projects worth 118 cr, lays foundation stones of various works
Precious Kashmir News
Srinagar, July 23: Lieutenant Governor, Girish Chandra Murmu today sought feedback from the people in shaping and implementing developmental policies and termed their participation as a vital component of participatory Government.

The Lt Governor observed that the UT Government is ensuring the active public participation at all Administrative levels to make the functioning of the Government more transparent, accountable and participatory. He made these remarks during his visit to Anantnag District where he interacted with 18 public delegations and representatives of ULB’s & PRI’s.

Today’s visit was the latest in the series of Lt Governor’s Public Outreach Programme for taking a regular assessment of developmental aspirations of the people and other important local issues of the districts.

During his visit, the Lt Governor also inaugurated 12 developmental projects worth Rs 118 cr and laid foundation stones of various works of public importance. He was accompanied by Advisor to the Lt Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan; Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K. Pole; IGP Kashmir, Vijay Kumar; Deputy Commissioner Anantnag, K.K Sidha and other senior officers.

Around 18 delegations including representatives of ULB’s, PRI’s; former Legislators; Traders Associations; Civil Society Associations from various areas; Fruit Growers; Hoteliers & Restaurant Owners Pahalgam; un-employed Physical Education Trainees; Sikh Welfare Forum, Mattan / Chittisinghpora; members of Kashmiri Pandit community; deputation of Gujjar Mahasabha & Tribal Community, NGO Helpline Bijbehara & South Kashmir Handicapped Association Anantnag put forth their concerning issues before the Lt Governor.

The members of delegations projected various issues and demands pertaining to empowerment of ULBs, PRIs, creation of BDC fund, strengthening of road network, Special Package for Un-employed Physical Education Trainees, beautification of Anantnag town, Mini-Secretariat and marriage hall, establishment of fruit mandis , introduction of Market Intervention Scheme, anti-hail net for orchardist, cremation grounds for minority communities, drainage system for Gurduwara at Mattan, inclusion of Gujjar & Bakerwalls in BPL category, crop insurance, augmentation of sports infrastructure etc.

Regarding the issues raised, the Lt Governor assured the members of the delegations that their genuine concerns would be taken up on priority for early resolution and directed the concerned officers to initiate the necessary measures in this regard.

He stated that the inclusion of Chairpersons & Presidents of BDCs, Municipal Councils and Municipalities in Warrant of Precedence is a move forward by the J&K Government towards strengthening the grass root level of democratic set up. He assured that the issues like security and accommodation of public representatives would be reviewed and resolved accordingly.

The Lt Governor also issued on spot directions to the concerned departments for the redressal of the issues pertaining to identifying of land for Marriage hall for Anantnag town; formulation of DPR for already identified patch of land for mechanical parking in Bijbehara town; strict adherence to SOPs in transportation of building and construction material; construction of ramps for accessibility of specially-abled persons in Government offices etc. He further directed the concerned officers for early completion of languishing projects, besides taking up of B2V works.

On containment of COVID-19 pandemic, the Lt Governor advised the people to follow all the preventive measures to protect themselves from the spread of the deadly disease. He asked the health officials to evolve effective mechanism in the management of patients with co-morbidities, besides specific sampling and testing. He also urged upon the public representatives to work in unison with the Government in the fight against COVID-19.

The developmental projects worth Rs 118 cr inaugurated by the Lt Governor today included- Sewerage Scheme Anantnag Zone 1; Septage Management Scheme Anantnag under AMRUT;1.0 MGD Rapid Sand Filter Unit at Bumzoo under JKIDFC; 40,000 Gallons Capacity Slow Sand Filtration Plant at Chaklipora under JKIDFC; Water Supply Scheme (WSS) Kralpora Brakpora under NRDWP;WSS Chontihal & Watkhush under JKIDFC; ANM Kokernag; 2×30 Mtr span Steel Girder Foot Bridge over Nallah Sadran, besides Trauma Hospital, Wayside facilities including Shopping Arcade, 100 Bedded Girls Hostel at Nowshehra, Overhead Pedestrian crossing, at Bijbehara.

Meanwhile, the works for which foundation stones were laid included – 0.33 MGD Rapid Sand Filtration Plant at Andoo; 1.50 lac Gallons capacity OHT at Brenthy; 55,000 Gallons capacity OHT at Monghal; Additional 3×30 Mtr span Double Lane PSC Girder Bridge over River Jhelum at Khanabal and Overhead Foot Bridge at Harnag, Anantnag.