CPIML Letter to Bihar CM for necessary measures regarding Corona pandemic

To
Honorable Chief Minister
Bihar Government, Patna

Subject: Necessary Measures to be taken regarding Corona Virus

Sir,

MANY States in the country are in the grip of Corona Virus and suspected cases have been found in our state Bihar also. The country is passing through a situation of medical emergency. There is an atmosphere of confusion and fear among the people. Some necessary steps have also been taken in this regard by the government. We would like to draw your attention to the following points for the prevention and cure of this disease:

Run Awareness Campaign on a War-Footing: People have very little information about this new disease. As a result, there is not only confusion but also a growing atmosphere of fear and terror among the people. Therefore, the need of the hour is to run an awareness campaign in every village and give the people information about preventive measures. In this regard, government, non-government, and other efforts should be promoted.

Arrange for Corona Testing in all Medical Colleges: The government has spoken about arrangements for Corona virus testing at three hospitals in Patna (PMCH, AIIMS, and IGIMS). However, this is not sufficient at all. Our demand is that this facility should be made available at all medical colleges in the State.

Make Arrangements for Increased Availability of ICUs and Ventilators: The number of ICU beds in all medical colleges should be increased and 100 ventilators should be made available in all medical colleges. ICU facility should be made available at District Hospitals also.

Doctors and Medicines should be available 24x7 at all Health Centers: Doctors, emergency services and medicines should be made available 24x7 at all hospitals, from Primary and Additional primary Health Centers to Sub-Divisional and District Hospitals.

Arrangements for adequate Ambulance Services: Arrangements for adequate ambulance services should be mandatorily made at all hospitals from additional primary health centers to medical colleges. This is absolutely essential to ensure that patients are taken to health centers or hospitals immediately. This facility was sorely found sorely lacking during the encephalitis epidemic in Muzaffarpur last year.

Government should bear full Costs of Corona Treatment: If this pandemic spreads in Bihar, it is the poor who will be worst affected by it. They have to go out of their homes daily in search of work. The government should make all arrangements for their treatment. In addition to running an awareness campaign, the government should provide all necessary items like soap and masks in all cities and villages.

Arrangements should be made for Cleaning and Pesticide Spraying in Cities, Bazaars and Villages: There is a lot of filth and garbage spread in cities and villages, which leads to rapid spread of diseases. This situation is dismal even in Patna City. Therefore, the government should pay special attention to cleanliness and give immediate directions to officials for garbage-disposal in cities and villages. Pesticide spraying is also very necessary. All sanitation workers should be provided with masks and other necessary equipment so that they can work freely without fear.

Direct Private Hospitals and Nursing Homes also to make comprehensive Arrangements for Treatment of Corona: In this hour of crisis, it is essential that private hospitals should fulfill their social responsibility instead of profiteering from this disease. They should be given strict instructions to make comprehensive arrangements for the treatment of Corona. The government should bear the costs of the treatment rendered at private hospitals also.

Provide Employment and Basic Income for Workers: It is natural that people’s livelihoods are being badly affected by the outbreak of this virus. They are returning home from different places. Therefore, our demand is that the government should make arrangements for wages and employment for the poor and ensure basic income and rations for them and their families till the situation becomes normal. Arrangements should be made for free or subsidized canteens for the poor and workers in urban areas. Food must be arranged for every poor and needy person free of cost.

Increase Public Transport Arrangements: Crowds are a big reason for the spread of this epidemic. Keeping in view the heavy crowds in buses and trains, the government should make arrangements for increased public transport in order to minimize the spread of this disease.

Make Arrangements for Testing People who enter the State from Affected Countries and Cities: People from Bihar go in search of livelihood not only to different parts of the country but different parts of the world. It is necessary to make arrangements to test people who come into Bihar from outside, especially from affected places.