In the absence of vaccine or drug, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented challenges to governments, health professionals and the general public at large globally.
While efforts are ongoing to find means to overcome the novel and complex disease which keeps on ravaging the world, claiming thousands of lives globally, the convalescent plasma therapy (CPT) is being tried to cure those in dire need. It involves infusing patients suffering from COVID-19 with plasma from recovered patients. In theory, the antibodies of the recovered person may help that patient’s immune system fight the virus and resultantly save a precious life.
In Jammu and Kashmir, SKIMS Soura, one of the tertiary care hospitals, has started CPT for critically sick patients as one of the modalities of supportive treatment of the deadly infection. The announcement comes after ICMR cleared it last month. The CPT is said to be safe and the patients with moderate COVID-19 illness will be randomly assigned to receive it. It is not for the first time that plasma therapy is used. About a century old, it has shown some benefit in treating measles, chickenpox and rabies.
True there is a need for more research for extensive use of the therapy but the delay could prove detrimental. Its use is in line with the principle in medical ethics: “Do no harm”. The convalescent plasma therapy requires intensive resources, healthy COVID-19 survivors to donate, a blood bank with proper machinery and trained personnel to remove plasma, equipment to store it and testing facilities to make sure it has an adequate amount of antibodies.
While SKIMS has started it, it’s assuring that the premier institute has announced to enhance the mode of treatment. It has said that more and more of the manpower is adjusted for the service, based on the clinical judgment and the status of the patients in need of such treatment.
While technical aspects are expected to be covered by the official machinery, important component—plasma depends on donation.
Any patient whose sampling was done 28 day ago and tested negative may donate his blood at blood bank. One can understand the pain and agony the recovered patients have gone through but having endured what they have gone through, they remain the warriors.
Given the ever-increasing surge covid-91 cases, CPT has tremendous scope in the line of management for saving the precious lives and as such healthy recovered patients should come forward.
Plasma Therapy
Ladakh Standoff:India, China agree on complete disengagement of troops along LAC
New Delhi, July 10: In view of ongoing disengagement along the LAC in Eastern Ladakh, Indian and Chinese diplomats on Friday held a meeting and reaffirmed that both sides will ensure complete disengagement of the troops and de-escalation from India-China border areas for full restoration of peace and tranquility in the border areas.
It will be in accordance with bilateral agreements and protocols.
“The 16th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held on July 10. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) from the Ministry of External Affairs, while the Director General of the Boundary & Oceanic Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs led the Chinese delegation,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.
They reviewed the situation in the border areas including the progress made in ongoing disengagement process along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Western Sector.
“The two sides agreed that it was necessary for both sides to sincerely implement the understandings reached between Senior Commanders. As agreed by the two Special Representatives, the Senior Commanders will meet soon to discuss further steps so as to ensure complete disengagement and de-escalation in a timely manner,” it added.
They have also agreed to maintain the ongoing communication both at the diplomatic and military level to ensure early resolution of the situation.
“In this context they agreed to hold another meeting of the WMCC in the near future,” the ministry said.
During their virtual discussion, they recalled the agreement reached between the two foreign ministers on June 17 as well as the agreement between two Special Representatives (SRs) during their telephonic conversation on July 5.
They also agreed that for the overall development of bilateral relations it was essential to maintain enduring peace and tranquility in the border areas.
The WMCC, comprising senior officials of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) was established in 2012 and normally meets just twice a year, is meeting for the second time in two weeks, an indicator of the seriousness of the LAC situation.
Rajnath Singh reviews situation with top military leadership
Discusses India-China Tension with his US counterpart on phone
New Delhi, July 10: Amid ongoing border row with China in Eastern Ladakh, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday reviewed of the current situation with top military leadership.
The Defence Minister carried out the review at a meeting with Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat, Army Chief Gen MM Naravane, Navy Chief Admiral Karambir Singh and Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria besides several other senior military officials, sources in the Defence Ministry said.
Gen Naravane gave a detailed account of the implementation of the first phase of mutual disengagement of troops from Galwan Valley, Gogra, Hot Springs and Finger 4 areas in Pangong Tso, the sources said.
They said the Army chief apprised the Minister about combat readiness of the Indian Army in the region to deal with any eventualities.
He also presented a detailed update of situation in all the sensitive areas along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh as well as in Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
As the first phase of the disengagement is nearing completion, government sources said the two sides are set to hold a fourth round of corps commander-level dialogue by early next week.
The meeting would be to finalise modalities for de-induction of troops amassed by both sides in their rear bases along the LAC, the de-facto border between the two countries.
The Indian and Chinese armies were engaged in a standoff in multiple locations in Eastern Ladakh since early May.
Discusses India-China Tension with his US counterpart on phone
Meanwhile, NDTV quoting sources reported the border tension between India and China figured in a phone conversation between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and US Secretary of Defence Mark T Esper today.
The two have been in regular touch discussing bilateral defence cooperation and issues of mutual interest, and today’s phone call was initiated on Mr Esper’s request, the sources said.
COVID-19 claims 5 more lives in Kashmir, J&K toll 160
Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, July 10: Five more COVID-19 patients died on Friday in Kashmir, thus taking the overall death toll due to the virus in Jammu and Kashmir to 160
Officials told KNO that an 80-year-old man from Kokernag area of the South Kashmir’s Anantnag district died last night, an 82-year-old man from Habba Kadal area of Srinagar and 36-year-old lady from Noorbagh area of Srinagar died on Friday morning at CD hospital while as 75 year old man from Kupwara died at JVC and 95-year-old man from Shopian died at SKIMS (JVC) Bemina.
Medical Superintendent of CD hospital, Dr. Salim Tak said that the patient from Kokernag area of Anantnag was admitted on July 4 after testing positive and patient died last night.” He said that patient was suffering from bilateral pneumonia besides respiratory failure.
He added that patient from Habba Kadal was admitted on July 7 and died on Friday morning. “He was diabetic, hypertensive and had Community Acquired Pneumonia,” he added.
He further added that a 36-year-old lady from Noorbagh area of Srinagar was referred from SMHS on July 08 after she was tested positive and died at CD hospital on Friday morning.
He said the patient was suffering from bilateral pneumonia and other ailments.
Principal JVC Bemina, Dr. Reyaz Untoo told KNO that the elderly man from Dadsun Kupwara who was tested positive died at JVC on Friday afternoon.
“Patient was suffering from pneumonia, hypertension and diabetes,” he said.
Medical superintendent JVC Bemina Dr Shifa Deva said that the patient was admitted on July 04 and he died in ICU. The fifth causality took place in SKIMS (JVC) Bemina where a 95-year-old male patient died of Covid-19. “He was suffering from pneumonia and other ailments. He was admitted in the hospital on July 8,” said Dr Shifa Deva, Medical Superintendent at SKIMS Bemina.
With five more deaths, the death toll due to COVID-19 in J&K has reached 160 including 144 from Kashmir and 15 from Jammu division.
Srinagar district with 39 deaths has the highest fatalities followed by Baramulla (31), Kulgam (18), Shopian (16), Anantnag (13), Budgam (11), Jammu (9), Kupwara (8), Pulwama (5), Bandipora (3), Doda (2) while one death each has been reported from Ganderbal, Poonch, Udhampur, Rajouri and Kathua.
Govt mulls to designate more COVID hospitals in Kashmir
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, July 10: Amid surge in COVID-19 cases, government is mulling to designate more hospitals for patients in Kashmir.
At least three hospitals, JVC Bemina, CD Hospital, JLNM Hospital have been converted into COVID hospitals. Besides, several wards at SKIMS Soura and SMHS Hospital have also been designated for COVID-19 patients.
An official told KINS that the administration has put concerned authorities on alert that there may be need for more hospitals for COVID-19 patients.
“Various hospitals in districts including Super Specialty Hospital in Srinagar are under consideration to be designated for COVID-19 patients. But no final decision has been taken yet,” the official said.
Principal Government Medical College Srinagar Dr Samia Rashid said many hospitals were short to accommodate COVID-patients.
“No more beds for COVID patients are available at CD Hospital. Government is yet to take any decision to designate any other hospital for COVID patients,” she added.
There has been a sudden rise in the coronavirus cases for the last few weeks and hospitals are not able to accommodate all these patients.
Taking note, Principal GMC Srinagar has also designated several wards at SMHS Hospital for COVID-19 patients.
The Valley including Srinagar has witnessed a surge in cases and deaths after business and trade activities were allowed.
The Government on Thursday informed out of 9501 positive cases, 3652 are active positive, 5695 have recovered and 154 have died; 14 in Jammu division and 140 in Kashmir division.
The government in its advisory says the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 metre from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
It says 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.”
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.”(KINS)
‘COVID-19 has taken an ugly turn in Kashmir, situation alarming’
High time for conducting genetic test to see whether virus has mutated: Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan
Tassaduq Hussain
Srinagar, July 10: Initially the COVID-19 behaved very mildly and the patients who would test positive were asymptomatic, but situation has taken a serious turn now as the pandemic seems to have taken an ugly turn with patients, especially the virus suspects are complaining of bilateral pneumonia irrespective of age difference.
This was stated by the Kashmir’s leading medico and flu expert, Dr Nisarul Hassan in an exclusive chat with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). Dr Nisar, who is an Associate professor at the Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar, had earlier told KNO that virus was behaving “very mildly in Kashmir” given the number of deaths and cases. But given the situation over the past few weeks which has shown a sharp surge in positive cases while death cases too have gone up.
Kashmir’s leading medico said that there is a possible change in the coronavirus behavior and said it’s for the first time in past four months that a large number of people with bilateral pneumonia get admissions in hospitals. “Kashmir’s virus needs an immediate lab test about the possible mutation,” he said.
Dr. Nisar sounded an alarm and stated that the number of deaths in past two weeks may have occurred due to possible change in the virus. “I advocate immediate genetic test to find out whether the virus has really mutated,” he said.
He said shocking to note was that for the first time in the past four months, SMHS hospital receive 40 admissions of which 32 had COVID symptoms and all of them were having bilateral pneumonia, who were in desperate need of oxygen. “Some of them even needed ventilator support which is very alarming and a serious issue,” Dr Nisar told KNO
This is for the first time since the outbreak where according to Dr Nisar, there is an large number of seriously ill patients dropping in one go that too in one hospital and on enquiring from other colleagues at hospitals in different parts of the valley there is a similar story to listen.
The flu expert said that there is a significant rise in seriously ill cases dropping in with radiological evidence of pneumonia which was not seen before. “We had either asymptomatic or patients with very mild disease among which rarely anyone required oxygen, that too who was having medical underlying conditions,” he said.
“Young and middle aged people with no comorbidities, no medical underlying conditions these days are arriving at the hospital with bilateral pneumonia. For me, this is a serious concern and here this clearly indicates that it’s highly dangerous situation in Kashmir.” Dr Nisar suggested lockdown for a period of two weeks or so to contain the virus spread.
“We have to see it genetically especially Kashmir’s virus has to be sent to national institute of virology Pune to be analyzed there for a possible change early whether there is some mutilation in the virus that’s why it has become virulent now than before,” Dr Nisar said.
Highest ever: India reports over 26000 cases in a day
Tally mounts to 793802, death toll 21604
New Delhi, July 10: India’s novel coronavirus tally on Friday inched close to 8 lakh mark with the biggest ever single day spike of 26,506 fresh cases in the past 24 hours while 475 more lives were lost in the same period.
The total cases in country now stand at 7,93,802 cases with 21,604 deaths.
According to the latest Health Ministry update, of the total cases, 4,95,513 have recovered while 2,76,685 remain active in the country. In just past 24 hrs, 19,135 covid patients were cured and discharged.
The rate of recovery continue to improve as the difference between the active cases and recoveries has been continuously increasing.
Meanwhile, a total of 1,10,24,491 cumulative samples have been tested for COVID as per the Indian Council of Medical Research till Thursday.
The worst hit contagion state in the country that is Maharashtra has witnessed a sharp spike in the cases with 6875 fresh infections since Thursday, with the state’s tally now crossing 2.3 lakh mark, and the figure standing at 2,30,599.
Pandemic deaths in Maharashtra have climbed to 9,667, as per the government data.
Tamil Nadu , at number two, now houses 1,26,581 confirmed cases of contagion with the state’s death toll mounting to 1,765.
The national capital’s is now home to 1,07,051 cases, while the city’s death toll due to the pandemic has reached 3,258.
Gujarat after having a spike of 861 fresh infections in the past 24 hours , now carries case load of 39,194 , while the death toll in the state has now reached 2008.
Uttar Pradesh, after registering a sharp spike of 1206 cases in the past one day , is now home to 32362 confirmed cases.
Fatalities in the northern state due to the pandemic have reached 862.
Karnataka too recorded rapid rise in new cases and climbed a spot surpassing Telangana, with 2228 fresh infections in the past 24 hours and now houses 31105 confirmed cases of the COVID contagion, while deaths due to the lethal virus here stand at 486.
Telangana , has also witnessed a sharp rise in cases with 1410 new infections since Thursday, and the tally has risen to 30946, with the state’s death toll rising to 331.
West Bengal’s tally has surged to 25911, while covid deaths in the state so far stand at 854.
Andhra Pradesh’s tally has risen to 23814 ,while 277 lives have so far been claimed by the virus spread.
Rajasthan,is presently home to 22563 contagion cases whereas 491 patients have lost their lives to the pandemic.
Haryana at present has 19369 cases , and 287 fatalities have been recorded due to the same in the state.
Madhya Pradesh added 305 new cases in the past 24 hours, taking the count to 16341, while deaths at present stand at 634.
Assam has added 696 cases since Thursday with its tally reaching 14032 ,while deaths in the state due to the pandemic are now 22.
Bihar has recorded 755 fresh infections , taking the total number of infected in the state to 13944 with 115 fatalities.
Odisha’s tally has reached 11201, while 52 people have so far died due to the pandemic in the state.
Jammu and Kashmir’s COVID count has now reached 9501, while deaths due to the virus in the state have reached 159.
After a spike of 233 fresh infections since Thursday , Punjab now is home to 7140 confirmed covid cases , while northern state’s death toll has now reached 183.
Donate plasma, serve humanity: Director SKIMS
Srinagar, July 10: Director Sher-e- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Dr A.G Ahangar on Friday appealed to recovered COVID-19 patients to come forward to donate their plasma and serve humanity at large.
In a statement Dr Ahangar said that the recovered COVID-19 patients are the traumatized warriors—who too can help the administration in fighting and defeating the novel virus.
“All the COVID-19 positive recovered patients can be the saviors of humanity amid this crisis,” Dr Ahangar said.
He said that SKIMS authorities is 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. “The management team for this CPT would screen the donors and the recipients based on the scientific principles of the quantum of the antibodies detected in the donors,” he added.
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 the precious lives that have been debated thoroughly by the members of the recently constituted Apex Advisory Committee for Covid-19 Management Protocols in the Union Territory of J& K.
SKIMS issues the appeal 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 Helpline Numbers in this regard and the Coordinators for this activity are as follows:
Dr Farooq A Jan, Medical Superintended, SKIMS, 9419415196, 9622457636
DR GH Yattoo, HOD Hospital Administration, Nodal Officer, COVID-19, SKIMS, 9419415342, 9797095342
Dr Romana Makhdoomi, Head, Blood Transfusion & Immuno-Hematology Department, 9419081223—
J&K reports 387 fresh cases, tally nears 10,000 mark
290 in Kashmir, 97 in Jammu
Nadeem Nadu
Srinagar, July 10: Jammu and Kashmir on Friday witnessed yet another spike in number of COVID-19 cases as 387 more people tested positive for the deadly virus across the Union Territory thus taking the number of total cases to 9888.
Officials said 97 of these cases were reported from Jammu and 290 from Kashmir.
Giving the breakup of the cases, officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 94, Baramulla 36, Kulgam 33, Shopian 14, Annatnag 11, Kupwara 34, Pulwama 47, Budgam 6, Bandipora 8, Ganderbal 7, Jammu 23, Kathua 7, Ramban 11, Rajouri 51, Samba 1, Poomch 2, Doda 1 and Reasi 1.
Dr. G H Yatoo, Nodal Officer Coronavirus Control Measures at SKIMS Soura told GNS that out of 2659 samples which were processed at the viral diagnostic laboratory of the hospital today, 132 returned positive for the virus.
Professor Farooq Jan, Medical Superintendent SKIMS Soura told GNS the cases include 37 from Army, CRPF and SSB, 33 from Pulwama, 24 from Srinagar, 12 from Anantnag, 10 from Kulgam, seven from Budgam, six from Bandipora, two from Kupwara and one from Baramulla.
Dr Riyaz Untoo, Principal SKIMS Bemina told GNS that out of 394 samples processed at the hospital’s lab, 62 tested positive for COVID-19, 46 from Srinagar and 16 from Shopian.
The Srinagar cases include 1.F-42yrs-FatehKadal, M-53yrs-Rainawari, M-45yrs, M-7yrs, F-3yrs, F-7yrs, M-32yrs, F-85yrs, M-45yrs, M-1yr, M-40yrs from Munwarabad, M-60yrs-Nishat Brane, M-48yrs-Sonwa,M-52yrs, M-34yrs, M-52yrs from AGnderbal, M-38yrs-Dalgate, M-38yrs-Soura, M-55yrs-Lasjan, F-53yrs-, M-25yrs, M-18yrs, M-52yrs, F-40yrs-, F-76yrs, F-52yrs, F-45yrs, M-10yrs, M-40yrs from Rajbagh, M-32yrs-Buchwara Dalgate, M-40yrs-Hyderpora, M-28yrs-TRC, M-50yrs-Umer Colony-B, M-44yrs-Batmaloo,
F-30yrs-Bemina, M-35yrs-Chanpora, M-41yrs-Sonwar, M-30yrs-Batmaloo, M-47yrs-Barbar Shah, M-28yrs-Batmaloo, M-24yrs-Batmaloo, F-33yrs-Peerbagh, F-28yrs, F-8yrs from Peerbagh, M-51yrs and M-47yrs from TRC.
Around 90 cases were confirmed at CD hospital and include nine males (38, 49, 32, 38, 38, 25, 31, 37, 41) from BSF Singhpora, male (34) from Baramulla, female (41) from Maidanpora Lolab, two males (65, 43) from Sogam , two male (45, 43) from Tangdar Karnah, male (32) and female (51) from Dardsun, male (27) and female (26) from Handwara, Male (56) from Maidan Chogal, female (20) from Tutigund, Male (40) from Handwara Darzi Mohalla, Male (20) from Rajpora, Male (28) from Branwari, Male (40) from Gushi Kupwara, female (13) from Kandi Khaas, Male (31) from Reshigund, Male (30) from Safa Kadal Srinagar, two males (35, 57) from Trehgam, male (26) from DPL Baramulla, female (75) from Stadium Colony Baramulla, male (58) from Arampora Sopore, male (50) from Sangrama, female (N/A) from Anantnag , male (40) from Pampore, male (60) from Andergam Pattan, male (40) from Pattan, male (58) from Sopore, male (45) from Habakadal, female (60) from Kulgam, Male (70) from Tulsibagh, female (37) from Qamarwari , three males (21, 21, 42) from BB CANT, female (30) from Nawakadal, female (17) and male (37)from Bemina, female (20) from Sopore , female (24) from Lal Chowk, Male (36) from Shopian, Male (27) from Naki Bagh, female (N/A) from Magam Budgam, male (12) from Habakadal, female (30) from Kak Sarai , female (40) and male (42) from Koker Bazar, Male (36) from Sopore, Male (40) from Rajbagh, Male (35) from Langate, female (70) from Hawal Srinagar, female (70) from Kulgam, female (32) and male (31) from Soura , female (80) from Naid Khai, Male (34) from Chattabal, Male (27) from Peerbagh , two male (27, 65) from Rawalpora, male (34) from Harwan , male (34) from Tulbagh Pulwama, Male (54) from Baramulla, Male (32) from Safakadal, four males (26, 45, 34, 28) from Tilgam, female (62) from Andergam, male (39) from Uri, female (13) from Dawaran , two males (24, 30) from Manigam, male (19) from Lawipora, male (41) from Giraj Ganderbal, male (42) from Kitchama, two females (15, 30) from Udoora, male (13) and two female (70, 13) from Zehanpora, male (18) and female (45) from Peerniya, male (30) from Lachipora, male (34) from 109 RCC Trehgam, female (50) from Vodpora, male (59) from N/A and female (33) from Srinagar.
Meanwhile, 91 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and were discharged from various hospitals—35 from Jammu Division and 56 from Kashmir. (GNS)
