Ranchi: Soon after the Union health ministry increased the gap between the two doses of Covishield from four-six weeks to eight to 12 weeks, beneficiaries in the state are a confused lot over the efficacy of the vaccine they have taken or are supposed to take.
TOI spoke to several beneficiaries, most of them aged between 46 and 60 years, who have been administered their first jab and are currently waiting for their second dose. They said they do not understand the logic behind the decision while elderlies are concerned if the vaccine will be effective against the virus in days to come with the gap of 84 days between two doses.
Jharkhand government has asked all leading hospitals in the state to set up post-Covid care centres and strengthen existing facilities for rehabilitation of Covid survivors following a rise in cases of Covid-induced mucormycosis and fatalities caused by residual symptoms.
In a letter addressed to all five state-run hospitals and a few corporate-run hospitals in Jamshedpur and Bokaro on Saturday, the Hemant Soren-led Government has said that in accordance with recommendations of the Expert Committee of Covid-19 Management in Jharkhand, all hospitals were directed to set up post-Covid care facilities for management, treatment and counselling of Covid survivors without further ado.
Used PPE kits dumped outside the main gate of Rajendra Medical College near the parking area, in Ranchi on Saturday
BOKARO: The Steel City, which is already battling a high number of Covid cases, is once again on its toes after the district reported two deaths due to black fungus in the last one week, while one other is undergoing treatment and yet another suspected case of the fungal infection has been kept under observation.
District health officials said they have issued directives to doctors to give special attention to diabetic Covid patients who are more prone to the disease. Similar guidelines have been given by the management of Bokaro General Hospital (BGH). Even doctors at the Eye Hospital have been asked to remain cautious.
Ranchi: The Church of North India (CNI) on Friday launched a free food service for Covid patients, their attendants and the hospital staff working at the St Barnabas Hospital, which is run by the church, in Church Road here.
The free food service, which will continue for the next two weeks, was inaugurated by B B Baskey, who is the bishop of CNI’s Chotanagpur Diocese.
“Today, around 150 patients, their attendants and the hospital staff were given breakfast, lunch and dinner,” Vikla Bakhlaa, who is the general secretary of CNI’s Chotanagpur diocese, said, adding, “CNI would endeavour to come up with more such innovative charity schemes for the benefit of those suffering in other areas of Jharkhand as well.”
“Unlike the Covid-19 pandemic last year, the second wave has affected rural areas. While the city dwellers do have access to good healthcare, their rural counterparts unfortunately lack such facilities. Even the NGOs and corporate sectors seem to be confined to urban areas in organising social initiatives. We decided to abide by our conscience and consciously decided to come together to help the rural people,” said Ranchi-based Kuldeep Tirkey, 33, central president of the JCYA.
Nearly 20 members of the JCYA have contributed money to distribute dry ration kits comprising rice (6kg), dal (1kg), soyabean (1kg), edible oil (1kg) and masks.
“Some of us are employed and a few are students. Those who are employed are contributing from their own salary while those who are students contribute from their pocket money. So far, we have distributed ration and masks free of cost in Hahap village under Namkum block. We have asked our friends, associates and community members to let us know