Improper planning, inadequate monitoring and lack of funds abound Jammu and Kashmir for long. The times are changing and so should the means to address issues that historically hamper or delay various projects of public importance. Instances galore where even works like small bridges have taken decades for completion. Examples are also plenty where many works are pending for decades.
The consequences of the delay are always detrimental to growth. Most projects and works related to delay lead to cost escalation which could be prevented should there be proper monitoring structure in existence.
In this background, a recent announcement by Lieutenant Governor, calling for close monitoring of all developmental works and their speedy execution is worthy. It is important to note that unless proper monitoring was ensured, desired results would continue to elude the policy planners. The monitoring is important as it would alone ensure desired progress as regards the implementation of a particular project and works related thereto. The monitoring also ensures timely addressing of issues concerning any change, difficulties, or the willful slow pace of works resorted to by various agencies or officials. The required funds and their timely release have also been hampering the projects. The regular monitoring would address it and in the process development works will get a flip. It would also be a motivational factor to all including the frontline workers.
However, the desired monitoring would not be achieved unless the higher authorities pay field visits at regular intervals for effective implementation. Given the call by the Lieutenant Governor, the senior officials are required to respect it and give up the lethargy of officialdom associated with in the past as delays cost much more than the estimated costs.
A minimum one field visit every week as advised by the lieutenant Governor would definitely result in getting first-hand appraisal of the status and the fate of particular development work. There should also be regular interaction with the people to know the actual execution of a particular work. The government needs to augment public delivery mechanisms and measures as are demanded and allowed by the technology-driven should be taken. The administration is also expected to tone up decisions making process for ensuring the development works are completed on time especially when weather vagaries last for longer periods during the year.
Monitoring Development Works
COVID-19: NC leader among 6 dead, J&K toll 155
Precious Kashmir Desk
Srinagar, July 9: Jammu and Kashmir Thursday witnessed five more COVID-19 deaths that included a National Conference leader from Jammu, taking the number of casualties in the Union Territory to 155.
Officials told KNO that the victims were 60-year-old woman from Pattan Baramulla, 80-year-old woman from Natipora Srinagar, 65-year-old lady from Kulgam, 70-year-old lady from Pulwama, a woman from Shopian and 38-year-old NC leader from Jammu.
Dr Saleem Tak, Medical Superintendent at Chest Diseases Hospital said KNO that a 60-year-old lady from Pattan, who was admitted on June 29 after testing positive for COVID-19, died at CD hospital this morning.
He said the patient was suffering from hypertension, hypothyroidism and bilateral pneumonia.
Dr Nazir Ahmad Choudhary, Medical Superintendent at SMHS said that an 80-year-old woman from Natipora who was admitted on July 1 died at SMHS this morning at around 4 am.
He said that patient was suffering from hypertension, T2DM and bilateral pneumonia.
He said that 70-year-old lady from Pachaar, Pulwama who was admitted at SMHS on July 6 and had tested positive for COVID-19 died on Thursday afternoon. Patient was suffering from bilateral pneumonia and other ailments, he said.
Dr Shifa Deva, Medical Superintendent at JVC Bemina said that a 65-year-old female patient from Kulgam who was referred from District Hospital Kulgam on Wednesday died today.
Patient was Covid-19 positive and was suffering from bilateral pneumonia besides other ailments including hypertension, she said. The fifth Covid-19 victim was National Conference leader from Jammu, who died in GMC Jammu. A doctor at GMC Jammu said that the 38-year-old was serious and died this afternoon.
He said that the patient had been put on a ventilator but the medical teams, in spite of their best efforts, couldn’t stabilise him. “He had tested positive for Covid-19 and breathed his last this afternoon,” the doctor said.
Meanwhile, another local news agency GNS reported that another COVID-19 death was reported from Shopian. The elderly woman had died few days ago at her home but her sample was taken at the local hospital where she was treated, officials said.
With six more deaths, the death toll due to the virus has reached to 155in J&K, of which 15 deaths were recorded in Jammu and 139 in Kashmir region. (KNO/GNS)
JK reports 240 fresh cases, tally mounts to 9501; 5695 recover
Precious Kashmir News
Jammu, July 9: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 240 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Thursday, officials said.
They said that new cases include 55 from Jammu division and 185 from Kashmir division thus taking the total number of positive cases in Jammu and Kashmir to 9501.
Moreover, 128 more COVID-19 patients have recovered and discharged from various hospitals, 54 from Jammu Division and 74 from Kashmir Division.
According to the daily Media Bulletin on novel Corona virus (Covid-19), 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 Bulletin further said that out of 429787 test results available, 420286 samples have been tested as negative till July 9, 2020.
Additionally, till date 306434 travelers and persons in contact with suspected cases have been enlisted for surveillance which included 38939 persons in home quarantine including facilities operated by government, 44 in Hospital Quarantine, 3,652 in hospital isolation and 45713 under home surveillance. Besides, 217932 persons have completed their surveillance period.
Providing district-wise breakup, the Bulletin said that Bandipora has 328 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 43 Active Positive, 282 recovered and 03 deaths; Srinagar has 1451 positive cases (including 58 cases reported today) with 920 Active Positive, 494 recovered (including 29 cases reported today), 37 deaths; Anantnag district has 764 positive cases (including 08 cases reported today), with 162 Active Positive, 590 recovered (including 07 cases recovered today), 12 deaths; Baramulla has 1214 positive cases (including 37 cases reported today) with 677 Active Positive, 506 recovered (including 05 cases recovered today), 31 deaths; Shopian has 873 positive cases (including 07 cases reported today) with 206 Active Positive, 652 recovered (including 23 cases recovered today) and 15 deaths; Kupwara has 676 positive cases (including 32 cases reported today) with 211 Active Positive, 458 recovered (including 05 cases recovered today) and 07 deaths; Budgam has 522 positive cases (including 18 cases reported today) with 219 Active Positive and 292 recovered cases and 11 deaths; Ganderbal has 153 positive cases (including 14 cases reported today) with 74 active positive cases and 78 recoveries and 01 death; Kulgam has 930 positive cases (including 02 cases reported today), with 266 Active Positive and 646 recoveries and 18 deaths and Pulwama reported 593 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 310 active positive cases and 278 recovered (including 05 cases recovered today) and 05 deaths.
Similarly, Jammu has 429 positive cases (including 12 cases reported today) with 107 active positive cases and 314 recoveries (including 01 case recovered today) and 08 deaths; Udhampur has 298 positive cases with 56 active positive cases, 241 recovered (including 29 cases recovered today) and 01 death; Samba has 217 positive cases (including 09 cases reported today) with 85 Active Positive and 132 recoveries (including 04 cases recovered today); Rajouri has 189 positive cases (including 18 cases reported today) with 102 active positive cases and 86 recovered (including 15 cases recovered today) and 01 death; Kathua has 265 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 63 Active positive and 201 recovered (including 01 recovery today) and 01 death; Kishtwar has 44 positive cases (including 04 cases reported today) with 19 active positive cases and 25 recovered; Ramban has 243 positive cases with 37 active positive and 206 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today); Reasi has 52 positive cases with 17 active positive and 35 recovered; Poonch has 137 positive cases (including 05 cases reported today) with 21 active positive and 115 recoveries and 01 death while Doda has 123 positive cases (including 03 cases reported today) with 57 active positive cases and 64 recoveries (including 02 cases recovered today) and 02 deaths.
According to the bulletin, of the total 9501 positive cases in J&K 2696 have been reported as travelers while 6805 as others.
The bulletin said that the breakup represents districts from which the patients have been traced or are ordinarily residing.
The bulletin has informed the people that, 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.
The bulletin again explained that 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 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 handwashing with soap and water.”
In case of any emergency people can avail free ambulance services 24×7 at their doorsteps by calling on toll-free number 108 while as pregnant women and sick infants can avail free ambulance services by dialling toll-free number 102.
People can also call on toll-free national helpline number 1075; J&K COVID-19 Helpline Numbers 0191- 2549676 (UT level Cell), 0191-2520982, 0191-2674444, 0191-2674115 (For Jammu Division), 0194-2440283 & 0194-2430581 (For Kashmir Division) for support, guidance, and response to health-related queries on Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).
Public is advised to strictly follow the advisories issued by the government from time to time and rely only on the information released by the government through the daily media bulletin to print and electronic media.
People are also advised to refrain from spreading rumours and pay no heed to them at the same time.
‘Depression affects immunity directly’
Virus always looking for a host: Dr Reyaz Untoo
Srinagar, July 9: As COVID-19 related deaths have been witnessing a surge in Kashmir Valley and government is mulling to re-impose restriction to curb the movement of the people, Principal Jehlum Valley College Dr Reyaz Untoo said that only prevention can save people from this lethal infection.
In a chat with news agency KNT, Dr Reyaz Untoo appealed people to stop thinking about this infection and instead take preventive measures. “Depression can land you in trouble. It directly affects your immune system. When you start thinking about the effects of Covid-19, there are ample chances that you may go into depression and this depression may make you less immune to diseases. Immunity is very important to fight this lethal infection,” Untoo said.
He said there are multiple ways to strengthen your immunity and the best one is daily exercise. “A routine walk helps to make your immunity stronger than to take medicines. Strong mental health helps to cope up all the problems,” he said.
Dr Reyaz Untoo who heads a Covid-19 designated hospital said that Corona is a virus and virus is always in search of a host and that host is human being. “This virus enters through nose and mouth and sometimes through eyes and to repel it, there is a need to wear mask and use sanitizer and if sanitizer is not available, we can wash our hands frequently. Studies and research have revealed the presence of this virus on surface of objects. If your hands touch this virus, before touching your mouth or nose, do wash them.”
He said people should not take this virus lightly. “Chances are this virus may take a dangerous turn in coming days. We have still time to defeat this virus and to defeat this virus; we have to maintain social distancing and wear masks and use sanitizers and make our mental health strong.
He said as the cases will rise, mortality rate will rise automatically.
Dr Reyaz Untoo appealed people to avoid unnecessary hospital visits and social gatherings.
More wards designated for COVID-19 patients at SMHS Hospital
Sumaya Jan
Srinagar, July 9: Amid a surge in coronavirus cases, authorities at Government Medical College Srinagar have designated several wards at SMHS Hospital for COVID-19 patients.
The step has been taken as various hospitals converted into COVID hospitals fall short to accommodate coronavirus patients in view of a surge in positive cases.
At least three hospitals, JVC Bemina, CD Hospital, JLNM Hospital have been converted into COVID hospitals. Besides, several wards at SKIMS Soura have also been designated for COVID-19 patients.
However, 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 designated several wards at SMHS Hospital for COVID-19 patients.
“In view of upsurge in the COVID-19 cases and to accommodate more COVID positive patients, ward No 01, 02, 03 and 04 in SMHS Hospital shall be designated for COVID patients in phased manners. Ward No 01 and 03 for COVID patients from Medicine and allied specialties where the duty roster of doctors and paramedical staff shall be maintained by the HOD Medicine and Medical Superintendent SMHS respectively. Ward No. 02 & 04 for COVID patients from surgery and allied specialties where the duty roster of doctors and paramedical staff shall be maintained by the HOD Surgery and Medical Superintendent SMHS respectively,” an order issued by GMC Srinagar reads, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
It says that patients requiring ventilator support shall be managed by the HOD Anaesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine.
“That the ENT surgeries shall be done in Trauma Theatre till further orders and OPDs’ shall be conducted in their designated OPD Brock in SMHS premises. Faculty members having their rooms adjacent to above designated wards shall be accommodated by the respective Departmental Heads suitably,” it reads.
It says that dermatology and ENT patients shall be shifted/ accommodated in Medicine and Surgery wards accordingly in consultation with respective HODs’.
“Isolation facility for COVID patients functional in Drug De-Addiction Centre SMHS hospital, COVID facility in disaster and paid rooms shall run as per routine. That in case the department of Medicine shall face dearth of beds while admitting patients, the department shall accommodate the patients in Ward-19 & 20 in coordination with HOD Surgery.”
That staff deployed in various areas of SMHS Hospital in view of COVID-19 shall not be displaced without the prior consent of HOD Medicine/ Surgery and MS SMHS, it says.
The MS SMHS Hospital has been directed to take all measures to avoid intermingling of COVID and non-Covid patients and their attendants.
At least 9261 positive cases have been reported in J&K till Wednesday of which 3545 are active positive, 5567 have recovered and 149 have died; 14 in Jammu division and 135 in Kashmir division.
Out of 421571 test results available, 412310 samples have been tested as negative till July 8, 2020.
COVID-19: Panic grips J&K Bank corporate headquarters, 27 employees test positive
Srinagar, July 9: Panic gripped Jammu and Kashmir Bank corporate headquarters in Srinagar on Thursday after 27 staff members tested positive for COVID-19.
An official confirmed to news agency KINS that 27 employees have been tested positive at J&K Bank’s corporate headquarters in Srinagar.
“This has created a panic here. There are several branches where positive cases have been reported,” the official said.
The J&K Bank management has also decided that all offices at corporate headquarters will remain closed on Friday except the offices of the vice presidents.
While on Thursday, the J&K Bank management closed ground floor-general department CHQ, ground floor-enquiry department CHQ, 1st floor-vigilance department, Ist floor-S&C Department, Ist floor-IS Audit, 2nd floor-Estate and Engineering, 3rd floor-all departments, annexy building-payment and settlement, annexy building-risk management, air India buiding-ATM help desk section.
The J&K management however said I/C service operations, I/C Payment and settlement, I/C Govt business, I/C Treasury Operations, should ensure that staff in their departments should work from home for continuity of business operations.
Rotation of J&K Bank staff remains confined to papers
Suhail Khan
Srinagar, July 9: Despite surge in positive cases of bank employees, long queues are seen outside branches of J&K bank in Kashmir, posing a serious threat of Coronavirus spread.
Government has asked people to maintain social distance to contain the spread of COVID-19.
According to KINS the ground situation at many places in Kashmir especially in and outside banks is far from satisfactory as people continue to flout social distancing norms.
“Many J&K Bank employees have tested positive till date. Twenty seven tested positive at corporate headquarters in Srinagar on Thursday. Besides, cases have also been reported from J&K Bank’s branches at Barzulla, TRC, LD, Handwara, Shopian, Pattan, Magam and various other places,” an official said.
An official in one of the JK Bank branches in Pulwama district said everyone is always in a rush to get inside the bank.
“The beneficiaries of Jan Dhan also visit the banks unnecessary to withdraw the payment of Rs 500 which Centre has announced. They can withdraw this amount through ATMs still they visit banks,” the official said.
Similarly on June 9, J&K Bank issued an order asking branch managers and other concerned officials to ensure employees attend duties on rotation basis.
“Working hours at corporate headquarter zonal offices other offices, corporate head quarter and all zonal offices other offices shall remain functional on all working days with 50 percent of staff strength. Working hours at business units shall remain functional on all working days with 50 percent of staff strength on a 3 day rotation basis,” the order reads.
However, an official said there is rarely any implementation of the order.
“You see banks in Pulwama and Shopian where no such roster is in place. Even people rush to these branches without maintaining any social distance and posing a serious threat of this deadly virus,” the official added.
“I have come to open my account. I know we are posing a threat by not maintaining social distance. But hardly anyone in Pulwama and Shopian is adhering social distance norms in banks,” said Riyaz Ahmad, a resident of Shopian.
SKIMS conducts first ever Plasma therapy in COVID patients
Srinagar, July 9: In a remarkable achievement, S K Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura has conducted the first ever Convalescent Plasma Therapy (CPT) for COVID patients — a medical procedure doctors are using to treat novel Coronavirus diseases across the globe.
“SKIMS being the only referral tertiary care centre for both COVID as well as Non-COVID pathologies and being a Deemed Medical University have been in the forefront for the combat against COVID-19 Pandemic,” Assistant Director Public Relations SKIMS Kulsoom Bhat said in a statement issued here on Thursday.
She said COVID-19 Pandemic has created havoc all over the world and even the Advanced Medical and Healthcare delivery systems have collapsed.
However, she said with the robust administration and dedicated staff, SKIMS continues to do its best in serving the people of Jammu and Kashmir backed by the vibrant Government of Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
“In the fight against COVID-19 Pandemic, from diagnostics to therapeutics—SKIMS has played a lead role and dedicated a separate Infectious Diseases Block exclusively for the care of COVID-19 infected patients in addition to some other areas. All the doctors, staff nurses, paramedics and other supportive services have been doing yeoman’s job in saving lives,” she said.
Bhat said off-late SKIMS also started Convalescent Plasma Therapy (CPT) for critically sick patients as one of the modalities of supportive treatment of this deadly infection that has been approved by Government of India as well as ICMR.
“The Institutional Ethics Committee of SKIMS also approved the institution of this Treatment. The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has been apprised of the recent developments in Convalescent Plasma Therapy at SKIMS wherein three critically sick patients received Plasma Therapy on compassionate grounds,” she said.
Dr Sajad Bhat, a 3rd year PG resident from General Medicine—who recovered from the illness was the first one to donate the Plasma for this noble cause at SKIMS that was started in collaboration with Blood Transfusion & Immuno-Hematology Department.
“This mode of treatment is being enhanced and more and more of the manpower is being adjusted for this service, based on the clinical judgment and the status of the patients in need of such treatment. This treatment in itself has some advantages, though very little disadvantages if any, but it has to be carried out meticulously,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Director has lauded the therapy team for their efforts, saying that SKIMS will touch new heights in medical research and interventional medicine.
COVID-19 real threat, opening parks, yatra confusing: Omar
Srinagar, July 9: Cautioning people that COVID-19 was not some conspiracy to harass us, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said it is a real and serious threat.
However, he alleged that opening of parks, hotels and yatra (pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas) send a confused and mixed signals to people about the pandemic.
Taking to micro blogging site twitter the vice president of the National Conference (NC) said “These tweets by Doctors about #COVID19 should give all of us a reason to stop & reflect”. He further said, “COVID is not some conspiracy to harass us. It’s real & it’s serious. The government doesn’t help matters with its confused messaging & mixed signals vis a vis parks, hotels & yatra”.
He was reacting to a tweet by Dr Tariq Tramboo MD, FIPP, interventional pain specialist. Chairman of the scientific board, Spineloop International. CO inventor of loop technology for spinal stenosis which reads “Attention: Covid 19 spreading, like wild fire ,, overnight 20 young to Middle age pts (patients) admitted in SMHS with bilateral pneumonia and 10 in JNLM (Jawahar Lal Nehru Memobial) hopital, Protect yourself if you can because no one seems to care!.
Dr Tramboo said that at least 60 young boys symptomatic with pneumonia since last 3 days in the valley. Earlier lockdown was futile, he said adding that closing of borders would have been enough. Now is the time, he said.
Dr Tramboo said strict Lockdown for at least 7 days followed by strict fine for not wearing mask, or the health sector collapses. We don’t have Hospital infra right tackle with many cases. On the other hand people are not ready to wear mask. Brief lockdown is the need of hour or else we are doomed.
He said “Either the virus has mutated or people are extremely careless. Lot of young people admitted with bilateral pneumonia. We will soon find no space in hospitals. Stay inside for few weeks. Situation is really dangerous.”
Japan has less than 1,000 covid deaths. They never went in to full economic shut down. They have an unemployment rate of 2.6 per cent. How did they do it? Virtually everybody wears a mask, he advised.
