Covid cases down, but deaths still a cause of concern

SNS, SILIGURI. 30 JANUARY 2022: Even though Darjeeling district is witnessing a plateauing of Covid-19 cases, the number of deaths at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) in Siliguri has, however, remained a matter of concern.

Around 33 persons who had tested positive for Covid-19 have died at the region's premier health institution so far this month. An 80-year-old resident of Pradhannagar in Siliguri died there today.

Health department officials have said that some preexisting serious illnesses and late hospitalisation in some cases had led to most of the deaths.

Public health physicians tracking Covid cases say that it appears that the so-called third wave was on the wane.

" We are witnessing a fall in the Covid-19 graph, but there should be strong focus on reducing the transmission rate. The trend needs to be observed. However, a series of deaths do pose a concern," said a physician here today.

Health experts have said hat it was important to accelerate efforts to vaccinate all at-risk populations.

Among the dead at the NBMCH, some patients had been in the age group of 40s, while some were also more than 30 years old. However, most of them were 70 and 80 years old.

Data suggests that Omicron infection may be associated with a lower risk of hospitalization as compared to infection with the Delta variant of the coronavirus.

The sharp spike in Covid cases had also led to a rise in admissions at the NBMCH. Fifty-five patients were undergoing treatment in the Covid block of the hospital as of today.

Many are alleging that lack of proper treatment was responsible for the deaths.

The officer on duty for public health in north Bengal, Dr Susanta Kumar Roy, said the NBMCH authorities were looking into the issue seriously. According to him, a multi-disciplinary expert committee at the hospital was ascertaining the causes.

"There is no question of improper treatment. Many patients who are suffering from serious comorbidities have contracted Covid-19. A multi-disciplinary expert committee is also monitoring the matter," Dr Roy said.

191 cases in Dan dist

Meanwhile, Darjeeling district today detected 191 new Covid cases, according to reports issued by the health department.

Thirty-eight cases have been reported in areas under the Siliguri Municipal Corporation, including 31 cases in areas that fall in Darjeeling district.

Takdah in Darjeeling Hills registered 34 cases. Also today 191 Covid patients recovered and they whether left hospitals or ended their home isolation period, officials said.