Sans CHIC, Awang Sekmai locals fear virus spread
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, May 25 2021: Absence of a Community Home Isolation Centre (CHIC) is creating a sense of panic among the people of Awang Sekmai, where five people have already died of Covid-19 and over 200 others infected by the virus.

Expressing concern over the situation during a visit to Awang Sekmai CHC to enquire the situation there, social worker Moirangthem Ibomcha said that despite the government's circular to identify suitable sites and set up CHICs in different assembly constituencies including Sekmai, the local MLA is yet to do the needful to set up a CHIC for Sekmai AC.

In the absence of CHIC, many positive cases are forced to undergo home isolation thereby increasing the chances of spreading the infectious virus in the community, he said, and urged the MLA and government authority to set up the required CHIC at the earliest.

On the other hand, he observed communication gap between the healthcare workers posted at the CHC and Covid-19 Management Committee, Sekmai.

It would be better if the healthcare workers and ASHA workers are provided PPE suits and other protective gears, he said, while also suggesting special incentives for frontline workers.

The social worker also expressed dissatisfaction over the distribution of free rice under PMGKAY stating that there are irregularities in the distribution pattern.

Pointing out that some families get 10 kg while others are provided 7 kg or 3 kg, he drew attention of the local MLA to ensure uniform allocation of the staple food items.

He then lauded Sekmai Scheduled Caste Development Committee and SEEUS for providing relief materials to Covid affected families in the area.

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