Asian Tribune 21 May 2021

English Page
Issue 281 (8) Asian Tribune May 21, 2021
Editorial
Death in Indian villages
That the importance of testing
to prevent Covid-related deaths cannot
be underestimated is evident from the
over 110 fatalities that have occurred
in just four villages of Haryana. Of
these, 35 have taken place in the native
village of Chief Minister Khattar. In the
absence of a proper Covid test result,
the cause of death cannot be
ascertained with finality in these cases,
but the high mortality figures are
enough to ring alarm bells and call for
preventive measures since the deaths
raise question marks over the
healthcare system and its adequacy.
While the villagers have not been
forthcoming in getting tested despite
door-to-door surveys by the health
department, they have made a start by
getting vaccinated. The state should
make similar efforts to inspire
confidence and encourage the
villagers to get tested for timely
detection and treatment. A surveillance
of every village has been ordered to
detect influenza-like symptoms, but it
is equally important for the residents
to report symptoms or signs of
discomfort so that curative measures
can be taken early on.
The rapid spread of the virus in
rural areas has gone unchecked,
particularly in UP. The panchayat polls
and reverse migration of people from
the cities because of the loss of
livelihood caused by the extended
lockdown enhanced the danger of the
virus spreading among the local
population, besides the violation of
Covid-appropriate protocol. Cases
not getting reported also increase the
risk. Already, there have been
apprehensions over the Covid fatality
rate being higher in the rural areas.
The government has made
recommendations like setting up
Covid care centres in the villages to
handle both symptomatic and
asymptomatic cases but their
functioning remains in doubt because
of the lack of doctors and other
healthcare staff, besides the required
wherewithal like oxygen or medicines.
While the steps may help in giving
healthcare facilities a boost in the rural
areas and upgrade them, the situation
calls for pragmatic measures to
prevent an outbreak, check mortality
and improve chances of recovery.
Yash Sharma
The sinking of a paper boat
Corona : Some real, though some hype
Editorial Team
Prof . Harjinder Walia,
Ph.D (Journalism)
Former Head of Journalism
Punjabi Universty Patiala. (Punjab) India
Patron
Yash Sharma,
M.Sc (Hons), DMM
Publisher & Editor in Chief
780-200-0246
Sat Paul Kaushal
Associate Editor, Calgary
403 903 8500
Raghbir Bilaspuri
Bureau Chief ( Punjabi)
Sunny Sharma
Bureau Chief (English)
Atul Seth, CPA,CGA
Financial & Management Consultant
Tejinder Singh Bhateja
Advisor(Marketing)
587 889 2340
Anita Sharma
M.A.(Hindi)
Bureau Chief (Hindi)
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