Tripura Makes Preparations To Handle The Second Wave Of Covid-19 Pandemic

Like every other state in the country, Tripura is grappling with the second wave of Covid-19. There are about 400 cases being reported every day. It may not seem like a big number when compared to other states of India but Tripura is spread across a smaller area and has a total population of 37 lakhs.

The newly-inaugurated Covid-19 Centre at Hapania. It has 300 beds

Recently, the Chief Minister of the State, Biplab Deb, made a visit to the oxygen plant in Budjung Nagar as well as made enquiries about the various facilities made available for the residents of the state.

CM of the state, Biplab Deb, takes stock of the health infrastructure

Oxygen

Considering that many patients in the second wave have suffered and died due to a lack of oxygen in many parts of India, Tripura has started keeping a stock of cylinders. In total there are 4,500 such cylinders. Some were received through shipment from other parts of the country. Apart from the existing oxygen plant, there are plans to install oxygen plants various places, one of which is Khumulung. headquarters of the state autonomous district known as TTAADC. According to the numbers supplied by the government, there are 750 oxygen concentrators which can also be fitted in ambulances.

The state has 4,500 oxygen cylinders

Beds

There are two major Covid centres in Tripura, one in capital Agartala and another in Hapania. The 300-bed Hapania centre was inaugurated on May 7.There are oxygen support systems in about a hundred beds and more will be added. Tripura has a total capacity of 2,400 beds including 1,395 oxygen beds across all eight districts for the treatment of COVID-19 patients.

For serious cases, patients are admitted to the Agartala Medical College.

A Covid-19 centre at Gomati District. Tripura is divided into eight disctricts

Vaccination

So far, more than 13 lakh vaccines, both first and second doses, have been given in the state. It has also announced vaccination for people between the ages of 18-45. Recently a consignment of 4 lakh vaccines arrived. Hopefully it will curb the shortage currently faced in the state. According to sources in the health department, vaccines have been in short supply for the past three days.

Talking to journalists, CM Biplab Deb urged the people of the state to get vaccinated. He said it is the only way we can prevent deaths caused by the virus.

This article has been created as a part of the Adivasi Awaaz project, with the support of Misereor and Prayog Samaj Sevi Sanstha.