Sambalpur: COVID Makes a Comeback; Yet Western Odisha’s Medical Hub Vimsar Lacks Testing Facilities
Cases Increasing Across Odisha
Sambalpur: COVID-19 cases are steadily increasing across Odisha. Even in this early phase, the number of positive cases is nearing the 100-mark. New infections are now being detected in various districts of Western Odisha. According to health experts, the number of cases could rise further if testing is increased.
Need for Precautionary Measures
Doctors have warned that unless proper safety protocols are enforced now, the situation could become explosive again just like in the past waves. Despite these warnings, COVID precautions are still missing in many areas.
Shocking Gap at Vimsar, Burla
Ironically, Vimsar one of Western Odisha’s largest hospitals does not yet have any COVID-19 testing facilities. This has raised serious concerns, especially since thousands of patients from more than 10 districts, as well as from neighboring states like Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, visit Vimsar daily.
Thousands at Risk Daily
Around 3,000 patients visit Vimsar every day. Including their attendants, nearly 10,000 people pass through the hospital premises daily. During the previous COVID wave, Vimsar played a crucial role in saving lives. Many critical patients recovered here and returned home safely.
No Testing Kits or Dedicated Wards
Now, as the virus returns, Vimsar seems unprepared. The hospital has no dedicated ward for COVID patients and no separate treatment facility. Worse, sources say that even basic antigen test kits are unavailable.
No Guidelines, No Action
When contacted, Professor Dr. Lalmohan Nayak, Superintendent of Vimsar, confirmed that no new COVID guidelines had arrived yet. Although the District Health Department has promised to supply testing kits, they have not yet delivered any.
Fear of Future Surge
Unless authorities immediately begin testing and take preventive action, the number of infections may rise rapidly. Health experts have expressed concern that the situation could soon spiral out of control if necessary steps are not taken now.
