Containing Covid spread priority, says Dr Kakkar

Manav Mander
Tribune News Service
Ludhiana, January 1

Dr Sukhjeevan Kakkar is the new Civil Surgeon of Ludhiana district. Earlier in 2016, Dr Kakkar served as the Senior Medical Officer of the Civil Hospital.

Meanwhile, on December 23, Dr Harinderjit Singh was appointed as the Civil Surgeon, Ludhiana, by the Health and Family Welfare Department but yesterday his appointment was reverted back and Dr Kakkar, who was serving as the Civil Surgeon, Barnala, was transferred here while Dr Harinderjit will serve in Barnala.

Before Barnala, Dr Kakkar has served as the Senior Medical Officer in Jagraon and won four state and two national awards.

This correspondent talked to Dr Sukhjeevan Kakkar on the first day of his joining. Excerpts from the conversation:

• What will be your priority after joining as the Civil Surgeon?

World is going through a pandemic and my first priority after joining Ludhiana district will be to control the spread of Covid-19 and plan for its vaccination in a smooth manner. Frontline workers will be vaccinated first, followed by high-risk categories.

• Cases have come down considerably. Will the department continue with awareness activities against Covid?

Awareness by mass media teams of the department will continue as earlier through print and electronic media. Stress will be laid on wearing masks, social distancing and hand washing. Though cases have come down considerably, people need to avoid going to crowded places.

• You have also served at Civil Hospital, Ludhiana. Where do you think it needs improvement?

Cleanliness is a major issue at the Civil Hospital and stress will be laid on it. The Civil Hospital, Jagraon, during my service period won positions in the State Kayakalp award for cleanliness for three consecutive years. In 2016, it won the fourth position, in 2017 it got the first place, in 2018 it clinched the second position. In 2019, it got the National Quality Assurance Standard Standards Certification. I won the state award on Republic Day for beat services at the Jagraon hospital. I want to make improvement at the district hospital on the same lines.

• Any message you want to give to Ludhiana residents ?

At present, defeating Covid is the major challenge before people of Ludhiana and we want co-operation from them in this regard. People wear masks but they don’t cover their nose which makes no sense. Everyone should wear mask in such a way that it properly covers the mouth and the nose, only then the virus can be prevented. Avoid going to crowded places and keep washing hands regularly.

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