9 deaths in 2 weeks, fear grips Patiala village

Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, May 15

With nine deaths in the past two weeks, Ajnauda Kalan village in the Nabha block of the district is on the edge.

Of the nine, six victims developed Covid-related complications, confirmed health officials. Consequently, officials had to organise a testing camp at the village today.

The health officials collected 121 samples there. However, villagers are still scared to come forward for testing.

Dr Davinderjit, Senior Medical Officer, Bhadson, said, “Six villagers have already died of Covid. We are regularly conducting tests. However, people are still afraid to come forward. There is social stigma and fear of hospitalisation in rural areas.”

The officials said the six patients who died of Covid were hospitalised only after their health deteriorated. The patients had not undergone Covid tests before they were hospitalised, said the officials.

One of the villagers said, “The panchayat is now making announcements at the gurdwara asking people to get tested and vaccinated. Earlier, we took it lightly.”

Sources in the Health Department said a majority of the villagers who died of Covid were taking treatment from registered medical practitioners (RMPs), who had no expertise of Covid treatment. “These RMPs are taking advantage of villagers’ fear of going to hospitals,” said a senior official.

Taranveer Singh, Sarpanch, Ajnauda Kalan, said, “Earlier, villagers were showing a lackadaisical attitude towards Covid precautions. Now, they are coming forward for testing. We have appealed to residents to follow all guidelines.”