Covid centres to help people on protocols, emergency services

SNS,  SILIGURI, 13 MAY 21 : As the second wave of the coronavirus wreaks havoc in the country Child in Need Institute CINI has initiated its response by establishing Covid Sahayata Kendras (CSK or COVID Help/ Information Centre) at the Block levels in rural areas and Urban PHC level in urban areas.

The centres are managed by volunteers that would guide the population in its catchment area on Covid protocols, social behaviour, available emergency services like hospitals, drug-stores, medicaI oxygen, community kitchen, drug stores, government help lines, and ambulances available nearby. Such CSKs were inaugurated in Ward No. 4 in Siliguri (UPHC) and at the BDO Office in Kalchini in Alipurduar district on Tuesday.

"The centres have been set up in close collaboration with the District/Block/Urban  Health system (government) and the general administration. The inauguration programme for the CSK at Nagrakata (Sulkapara BPHC) is scheduled on 17May," a CINI official said today.

"The public can also reach out to the CSK through a mobile IEC/Campaign programme (with a hired autorickshaw/ toto) with public address facility, leaflets, banners etc on all or some issues (handled in a CSK). This will also provide counseling support to the communities, young adults/adolescents arising out of anxiety, fear, loss of near ones etc. Simultaneously, it will further provide and promote CINI Wellness Kits that includes Nutrimix, Masks (3 layered), soaps, and sanitary pads to promote personal hygiene and social behaviour and improved nutrition in times of COVID," the official added.

With the virus spreading like wildfire in the districts, including some rural areas, CINI will also be supporting district health authorities in establising safe homes and isolation centres for asymptomatic/ mildly symptomatic patients to avoid escalation, and, therefore, reduce pressure on the already stretched medical infrastructure.

"Such homes may also be required when the home condition is not suitable for home quarantine due to overcrowding, lack of separate washing/toilet facilities, other high-risk individuals in the same room, very close proximity with neighbours," the official said.

It may be mentioned here that the North Bengal Unit of CINI had reached out to distressed families with dry ration, nutritious food and hygiene kits, and ran essential services like Childlines and Children's homes during the first wave of the coronavirus in the region from 1 April 2020.