PPCM calls for preparation to reduce impact of Covid third wave
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 26 2021: The Protection and Preservation Committee (PPCM) has expressed strong concern over the devastation caused by the Covid second wave across the country and Manipur.

The second wave has further exposed the loopholes in the overall healthcare system of the country, said the PPCM in a press release issued today.

Despite having gone through the first wave, the country has failed to learn its lessons, PPCM said, expressing grief over the loss of many lives due to the more deadly strain of the coronavirus this time.

Many have succumbed due to lack of the medical oxygen during this second wave and this has reflected that "India is endorsing traditional practice rather than taking a more scientific approach", PPCM said.

The Ministry concerned has also apparently failed in raising awareness and counselling the people regarding safety measures as available data has shown that more than 50 percent of the country's population are still not masked, it said.

The deadly strain of the virus has also held its sway over the North East States and taken many lives in Manipur as well.

Even during this crucial time, there is no dearth of traders who indulge in exploiting many restriction-stricken households by manipulating prices of essential commodities, it said while appealing all concerned to stop the ill practice considering the present grim situation.

PPCM also went on to draw the State Government's attention to intervene into the matter and effectuate the orders issued in respect to prices of essential commodities and help poor and other sections who have been left jobless due to restrictions placed in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.

Above this, issues regarding non distribution of alloted quantities of rice under PMGKAY and NFSA have also surfaced in parts of various Assembly segments thereby causing immense injustice to the vulnerable sections of the society, it noted and appealed to all concerned to ensure all beneficiaries their due share of rice as announced by the Government.

Asking what the Government actually is doing to help those who have been confined within containment zones, PPCM also maintained that it will be desirable if the State Government provides some sort of assistance to families who have lost their loved ones to the virus.

It has been accepted by all that the fight against Covid should be a collective fight and so as to achieve this, the State Government should immediately institute an emergency aid to support the working class people and other vulnerable sections.

PPCM, keeping in mind the impact of the second wave of COVID-19, also called on all to strictly observe SOP issued by competent authority to flatten the infection curve and avoid a 3rd wave.

Stressing on the preparedness required to avoid Covid third wave, PPCM appealed to all concerned to make Community Home Isolation Centres opened in various ACs effectively functional and expedite construction of such centres which have been already planned for installation.

While calling on local clubs and bodies to take up a proactive role in curbing the spread of the virus, PPCM also appealed to the State Government to ensure there is no shortage of equipment and other requirements to the frontline warriors.

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