Bista for health facilities in rural areas in Kalimpong

SNS, DARJEELING, 31 MAY 21 : Darjeeling MP Raju Bista today stressed on the need for certain facilities in remote areas so as to properly combat the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Bista spoke after he visited different rural parts of Kalimpong district today, including Gorubathan Jaldhaka, Bindu, Kumai More and surrounding areas.

"During my visit to these places, along with taking stock of the Covid situation there, we also learned about the various issues confronting the people by our interaction with them, along with health officials and workers in those respective areas," Mr Bista said.

Giving examples of the Gorubathan Block Primary Health Centre (BPHC) and the Jaldhaka PHC catering to remote rural population that have to travel long distances even to reach the nearest town of Siliguri, he said, "Given the remoteness, lack of awareness, fear psychosis and lack of transportation facilities, many people showing Covid symptoms are going untested in the region. Hence, I have suggested that testing should be conducted in every village and tea gardens itself. This way, people won't have to travel far for getting their testing done and it will also help in identifying Covid cases and providing the treatment early."

According to Mr Bista, he learnt that many who are in home isolation have had no follow-up on the part of the Halth Department and has requested doctors concerned to ensure that timely monitoring and feedback is given to all those who are in home isolation.

"I have also requested the BMOH to take the vaccination drive to the villages itself, so that no individual eligible for vaccination is left out," said the Darjeeling MP.

A statement issued by Mr Bista also claimed that there was lack of ambulance facilities in both the Gorubathan BPHC and the Jaldhaka PHC, while he maintained that he has assured them that he would work towards providing them the same.

"I also spoke to the CMOH Kalimpong and I have told him to improve the infrastructure, equipment and staff strength at these hospitals, which cater to a very large population," he said, adding that despite limited healthcare facilities the frontline Covid warriors were doing their best to provide services to the people.

He was accompanied by Darjeeling MLA Neeraj Zimba and Kurseong MLA B P Bajgain, among others, during his visit.

They also distributed oxygen concentrators and other medical essentials, including oximeters, PPE kit, and masks to the two hospitals.