One more succumbs to COVID-19 in Kpi, oxygen shortage may lead to more fatality
Source: The Sangai Express

Kangpokpi, May 15 2021: Kangpokpi district reported another COVID-19 fatality today with a man from T Khullen village admitted at Covid Care Centre in Leikop succumbed to the dreaded coronavirus.

The deceased was identified as Raisong Sonba of Lungtaimai Colony, T Khullen village.

He was taken to Peace Hospital & Research Institute, Porompat Imphal on May 13 with fever, cough and SOB, where he was tested positive for COVID-19.The patient was later admitted at Covid Care Centre, Leikop in Kangpokpi district due to the non availability of beds in Imphal at around 5:30 pm .

He succumbed to the dreaded COVID-19 at around 4:30am taking the cumulative COVID-19 death in the district to 22 .

One more succumbs to COVID-19 in Kpi

The 60 years old deceased was a comorbid patient having heart disease.

He was later buried at T Khullen village cemetery following strict protocol.

Meanwhile, Kangpokpi district reported 8 new COVID-19 positive cases in the last 24 hours taking the total number of active cases in the district to 87 .

5 persons have recovered from COVID-19 and 9 patients are admitted at Covid Care Centre, Leikop as of today.

It may be mentioned that amidst the alarming surge of COVID-19 infection and fatality, Kangpokpi district has been facing shortage of resources, infrastructure, equipment including oxygen cylinder and manpower.

As per source, 28 Oxygen Cylinders are available as of date at the District Hospital, including 16 D Type Oxygen cylinders and 12 B Type Oxygen cylinders along with two oxygen concentrators and two ventilators.

Out of the 28 Oxygen cylinder, 5 D Type and 4 B Type Oxygen cylinder are filled as of now.

Moreover, with only nine patients admitted currently at Covid Care Centre, the available oxygen cylinder has almost reportedly failed to meet the needs of the patients on several occasions and if more patients have been admitted in the CCC, the situation could be severe.

Apart from the shortage of oxygen cylinder, oxygen concentrator and ventilators, there is also an acute shortage of manpower in respect of doctors and nurses at Covid Care Centre.

Recently, two new doctors have been reportedly recruited as per Government direction.

Before, the Medical Officer from various health centres in the district were assigned duty on roster to manage the Covid Care Centre.

Only two doctors, two nurses and two Multi Tasking staff at the Covid Care Centre is insufficient to manage the centre considering the alarming surge of infection.

It may be mentioned that the State Government had recruited 70 doctors last year and 151 doctors this year to mend the Covid Care Centres in the valley while only two doctors were sanctioned for Kangpokpi district.

One post of Anaesthesia and Medicine Specialist has been laying vacant till date in the District Hospital.

Besides, considering the non availability of beds in the State capital and the alarming surge of infection in the district, the Covid Care Centre could face a mammoth task to cater the medical needs of the people especially with the lack of doctors and nurses.