Assam to start first-of-its-kind COVID care centre for pregnant women, children

Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on July 11^th, 2020 announced that a separate COVID-19 care centre will be started from July 14^th, 2020 for pregnant women and children below 12 years of age.

“It is the first-of-its-kind step taken by the government for the greater interest of the pregnant women and children,” the Minister said.

He further informed that a geriatric COVID care centre will also be set up at the makeshift COVID care centre at Khanapara, Guwahati for the people of above 65 years of age. “All the facilities will be provided to the elderly people at the centre,” he added.

Also read: Assam: Himanta hints extension of lockdown in Guwahati by 1 week, official announcement tomorrow

Meanwhile, he said that for the benefits of the patients, the government has taken a new initiative. “People, who need immediate hospitalisation for treatment of other diseases like cancer, kidney dialysis, can come to GMCH fever clinic for COVID test. The results will be declared within 24 hours.”

Meanwhile, the minister hinted extension of lockdown in the city by one more week. He informed that the recommendation for the lockdown has been sent to the Chief Secretary to the Government of Assam. The official declaration will be out on July 12^th, 2020.

Addressing a press conference here in Guwahati, the minister claimed decrease in COVID-19 cases in the city after the lockdown was enforced. He, however, stated that ‘COVID is very active in the city.’

While talking about the rapid antigen tests that was launched in the city on June 15^th, 2020, the minister said, “A total of 96,686 people, which is 1/10^th of the total population, have been covered in the exercise to date.”

Besides, the minister claimed that the people of the city can rely on the rapid antigen tests as the false report is just 2 percent. He also informed that two more COVID-19 care centre are being set in Guwahati in a bid to strengthen the infrastructure.

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