Assam scribe raises irregularities in COVID-19 management, claims 'departmental failure'

Kalpajyoti Saikia, a journalist from Assam found himself in a perplexing situation. He was diagnosed with COVID-19 and was admitted to Ayurvedic College COVID-19 care. Upon discharge, he along with his friend was not given any food supplies for him to sustain for the next 14 days of home isolation. His other friend who was lodged in IIT COVID Care was however given a supply of Assam Sarathi.

Inside Northeast spoke to Saikia about his ordeal. "I was asymptomatic and was admitted on 7th July evening after the antigen test. After that, I was kept in Ayurvedic COVID-19 care. Upon discharge, I received no food supplies, although I was to maintain a strict 14-day quarantine inside my house. I tried calling the nearest Police Station which gave no response. After I tried calling the Dispur PS OC, who didn't pick up as well. I complained to 104 and still received nothing for the next 7 days".

Kalpajyoti had to undergo quarantine till the 25th July but had no resources to sustain him and neither he could have gone out to buy any since that would mean affecting others. He was then given supplies and help on personal capacity by a senior official.

Also read: Assam: Corona patient alleges ‘unhygienic conditions’ in COVID-19 centre

He has raised another important issue. "If this is the situation, will not people break the containment zone? I am not blaming Himanta Biswa Sarma, but isn't his own department letting him down?"

Many irregularities have surfaced regarding the COVID management in the state. Earlier, in one of the corona centres in Changsari has raised concerns in the COVID-19 fight in Assam. Owing to the lack of facilities in the COVID care centre with no food and bedsheets and drinking water, people of the centre have come out to the streets on the highway. This is a dangerous situation as all of these people are COVID-19 positive.

However, they have no choice as they are bereft of food and have resorted to buying food from the streets. In the video, a woman has raised the issue. “We have no food and that’s why the roads are blocked. We will not go back without food”. Another agitated person who too had come out from the COVID-19 centre said, “we have kids as well. So, far there has been no visit by the medical team. They treat us like dogs and throw things to us. What will our kids eat?”

These cases bring to concern the vulnerability of COVID-19 spread. The issue of lack of protocols has also been raised regarding people who live in the quarantine centres.

Readers like you make Inside Northeast’s work possible.

To support our brand of fearless and investigative journalism, support us HERE.

Download:

The Inside Northeast app HERE for News, Views, and Reviews from Northeast India.

Do keep following us for news on-the-go. We deliver the Northeast.