CHANDIGARH, APRIL 22: Underlining the stringent lockdown measures initiated by Punjab, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has lauded state health department for aggressively tackling Covid-19 threat with prompt identification, testing and containment strategy.
Though first case of infection was detected in Punjab on March 4, the Department has been vigilant since January 2020 regarding the screening of passengers coming at international airports and international check posts at Wagah and Kartarpur Corridor, the IMA said in a statement here today.
Further, the proactive functioning of the department is evident from the fact that the screening of passengers was started at Chandigarh and check posts even before Government of India included these sites for screening.
As a result of active surveillance, the first case of Covid-19 was detected by Health Department teams from domestic flight leading in mitigating the further spread.
IMA which has set up 25 bedded hospital with 10 ventilators near Jalandhar COVID Hospital to be handed over to the Government whenever required, has also donated PPE kits in many districts besides providing training for management of COVID-19 patients and are also providing ambulance service at civil hospitals for testing.
Noting with satisfaction, the IMA further said that in the SBS Nagar and Derabassi in Mohali district, the two hot spots in the state, the state teams were aggressive in cordoning off the entire village and surrounding areas and all the contacts of the positive cases were traced and tested urgently.
Underscoring the cohesive response which the state has offered in view of gravity and scale of the pandemic affecting the whole globe, the IMA particularly appreciated the Department of Health for creating isolation facilities, restructuring of manpower for management of serious cases and undertaking capacity building and awareness activities besides the massive IEC campaign which have been undertaken to create awareness about prevention from Corona Virus.
The successes of efforts of the Department are clearly visible in containment of spread of infection in Pathlawa village of SBS Nagar where 19 cases were reported in a short span of time. With intensive testing and containment efforts, there has been no new case from SBS Nagar since March 25. All but one case have been declared cured nd the remaining patient is likely to be discharged by day after.
Assuring the state of its fulsome support and cooperation, the IMA said in addition to ensuring private hospitals in the entire state are doing OPDs and managing patients reporting to them the body is assisting the state in its full capacity. IMA Punjab stands committed to extend all support in efforts of Government to curb this epidemic.
Pertinently, IMA Punjab had several meetings with Hon’ble Health Minister, Secretary Health and Director Health Services to discuss the preparedness of public and private sector health facilities to handle COVID-19. They have also organized camps in pathlawa (SBS Nagar) the epicenter of COVID-19 and in Sabzi Mandi since 28th march. All district presidents of IMA are coordinating with Civil Surgeons.
