Govt prepares database of health facilities in hotspots

MP | 9 April 2020 | Kolkata: Following mapping of the areas vulnerable to COVID-19, the state government has also prepared a database containing block-wise details of all health facilities including newly set up quarantine and isolation centres in the areas, considering that it would be the most essential data required to fight the disease if the situation turns worse.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had shown a map on Tuesday during a Press conference, with seven areas identified as vulnerable ones. But the names of the areas were not disclosed, considering that it may create panic among people.

According to a senior state government official, besides identifying the vulnerable areas they also considered it important to maintain a detailed database on health facilities and establishments in the area. "Details including exact location, infrastructure and manpower at the hospitals, quarantine centres, isolation centres and other health facilities in every block in the identified vulnerable areas have been incorporated in the database. Based on the same, a plan of action has been prepared to undertake necessary action if more people get affected with the disease in these areas. It also includes details of COVID-19 hospitals in the area," the official said, adding that all steps have been taken to avoid spread of the disease.

"At the same time, we are maintaining the data as a proactive step," he said.

The need of maintaining a proper reporting and maintaining all sorts of data had come up during a video conference of the Chief Minister and Nobel Laureate Dr Abhijit Binayak Banerjee on Tuesday.

The work to prepare the database had started soon after the vulnerable areas were identified and the concerned officials completed the task just a day ago.

The database will act as a ready reckoner for concerned officials in taking decision at the time of emergency, as block-wise information about required infrastructure to fight the disease is now easily available. "Thorough monitoring at the identified vulnerable areas is now continuing and all steps are being taken to check spread of the disease," the official said.