Bharuch death toll continues to rise

BHARUCH: From industrialists, political figures to police officials and many others, the list of those succumbing to Covid-19 in Bharuch over the last five days seems unending. Yet, the district health department, with its figures, is painting an altogether different picture.
According to the figures released by administration, Bharuch so far registered 5998 Covid-19 cases and the death toll due to pandemic is 49.The ground report though is starkly different. In all 25 dead bodies were cremated, inside a period of 24 hours prior to Friday noon, at the designated Covid crematorium in Bharuch, informed a social worker who is helping out in the last rites of deceased.
K V Patel, plant head of Jhagadia-based Vardhman Acrylics, Shantaram Dorik of J P Group of Industries, Vishnubhai Patel of Meet Industries, Ashmaben Sheikh, councillor of Bharuch Municipality, congress leader Bhaskar Bhatt and assistant sub inspector Mahendra Shinde are some of the prominent figures who have succumbed to the deadly virus in last five days.
The district administration has started Covid Care Centres (CCC) at Bharuch, Gadkhol and Dahej. Bharuch being an industrial town, oxygen availability is not an issue. However, availability of beds in both the government as well as private hospitals is a major issue.
Industrial associations come forward to help
The Industries associations of Ankleshwar, Vilayat, Jhagadia and Dahej are extending support to the district administration in the fight against Covid. Associations have helped the administration in setting up oxygen facilities at Covid Care Centres (CCC) at Government Engineering College and also in installation of 10,000 litres oxygen cryogenic tank at ESIC hospital at Ankleshwar.
State PSU GNFC and Aditya Birla group’s Birla Copper, Linde, and other smaller units are helping out in supply of oxygen across the state. Industrial associations have also helped in setting up of CCCs at Sultanpura, Avidha, Karetha, Netrang, Valia and Dadheda villages of Jhagadia. They have also helped in providing ventilators and oxygen facilities for the 48-bed CCC at Dahej Welfare Hospital, which will be operational from Tuesday.