Imphal: Replying to a Calling Attention Motion of MLA K. Meghachandra on the higher positivity rate of COVID-19 in the State in comparison to national positivity rate, Chief Minister N. Biren Singh (in-charge of Health) said that Novel COVID-19 situation is unpredictable and it is difficult to assess the outcome.
The global positivity rate is reported at 21.9 per cent with 44,18,000 (forty-four lakh eighteen thousand) deaths reported. In India, the total positive cases reportedly surged to 3,23,58,218 (three crore twenty-three lakhs fifty-eight thousand two hundred eighteen).
The cumulative death toll till now for the country is 4,33,622 (four lakhs thirty-three thousand six hundred twenty-two). For Manipur, the cumulative death toll reached 1,632 as on August 17,2021 with the total positive cases at 1,09,843 (one lakh nine thousand eight hundred forty-three). The Government is making continuous efforts to fight the COVID -19 pandemic. All-out efforts are made to provide medical equipment like Oxygen cylinders, manpower among others as the second wave of COVID-19 is impacting the general public. The State government from the onset of the first wave of the pandemic till the present time period is continuously trying its best effort by increasing ICU beds, manpower at hospitals, medical equipment etc..
Addressing the House, the Chief Minister further said during the peak period of the second wave of the pandemic, Delhi reported a positivity rate at 35%, Maharashtra at 29%, Kerala at 28.9%, Mizoram at 35.3%, Meghalaya at 30.8% and Manipur at 23.9%. The positivity rate of Manipur is now reduced to 9.3% as on August 17, 2021.
Speaking further, the Chief Minister said that number of COVID hospitals has increased to 9, out of which 5 are run by the private sector and one by NGO. With the cooperation of DRDO, 200- bedded is nearly on completion which will include ICU 50-bedded, 50-bedded with ventilators and is targeted to inaugurate after one week. There are 60 beds allocated for COVID at JNIMS and 30 beds for children. Among the eligible individuals for vaccination, around 60% per cent have been vaccinated and the alleged death cases of persons after the COVID-19 vaccine was administered will be laid down in detail on the next sitting of the ongoing session.
Further, he said that among the death cases due to COVID-19 some are patients with co-morbidity. He also appealed to those persons who are facing COVID symptoms to visit the nearest PHC Doctor or inform the nearest Hospital immediately for timely treatment. To fight the pandemic, the Government strengthened the health care sector by engaging 317 doctors, 595 nurses, 530 MTS, drivers. There are 6 oxygen plants in 6 districts, 3 inaugurated and three are going to be inaugurated soon. He appealed to the people to get vaccination for a COVID free State.
