AGARTALA, May 23 (TIWN): Binod Roy, a member of the BJP-run west Rajnagar Gram Panchayat, highlighted the dire condition of the Covid Care Centers.

A few days ago, Binod tested positive for the virus and was shifted to Kalachhara’s Girl school hostel which is turned into a dedicated covid care center. Binod alleged before the camera that though the service inside the covid care center was fine when it had around 10-15 patients now after the number of patients increased to 80 or 90, the service has become poor and the food quality has also degraded. Despite the Government sanctioned Rs. 350/- per meal and Rs. 100/- for breakfast, they are being provided by meals worth Rs. 50/-, alleged Binod.

 The toilets and dustbins are in miserable condition as no staff has been initiated to clean them. Many women including pregnant ladies are admitted to the center who are more vulnerable to catch infections from the unhygienic toilets.  

 Binod also elaborated the scenario to MLA Sankar Roy, DM and SDPO of the area, and other political leaders.

 However, patients from other Covid Care Centres also raise the same issue before including the opposition leaders alleging the mismanagement.

 During the first wave, when the patients from various covid care centers staged protest regarding the poor infrastructure and bad food quality, Covid-19 central expert team led by Dr. Satyajit Sen, Sr. Regional Director, Kolkata, and other coordinators, Dr. Daisy Panna, Consultant Epidemiologist, NCDC, Dr. P.K. Verma, Associate Prof. Respiratory Medicine, LHMC met with the CM and Officials in Tripura and made several recommendations which include proper arrangement for bio-medical waste management, fire safety measures to be undertaken and need for regular orientation of medical staff depending on the nature of infections. All necessary equipment needed for treatment should be kept ready and a face mask reservoir to be installed on patient beds. 

 Significantly, the report recommended that a senior consultant should appraise the patient party about the condition of their patients admitted. Some ventilators found uninstalled should be installed.