MP Selja flags gaps in Covid preparedness

Sirsa MP Kumari Selja has expressed concern over the state’s health infrastructure in light of the recent rise in Covid-19 cases. She urged the state government to strengthen medical facilities and ensure that hospitals were equipped to handle potential surges.

In a statement released to the media, Selja said while Covid-19 cases were reported in several districts, preparations in many areas remained incomplete. She noted that oxygen plants in some hospitals were not operational and testing were yet to begin in certain regions.

Pointing to the condition of oxygen infrastructure, she highlighted that the oxygen plant at Hisar Hospital, with a capacity of 1,000 litres per minute, was reportedly non-functional for over a year. Similar issues were noted in Bhiwani, Jind, Panipat, and Rewari, where repairs or technical faults had delayed proper functioning.

Selja also spoke about broader healthcare challenges in the state. In particular, she drew attention to concerns in Sirsa district, where rising cases of cancer were reported. According to her, some villages in the region were seeing unusually high numbers of patients, which locals linked to pollution in Ghaggar river. She noted that requests for a dedicated cancer treatment facility in the area were yet to be fulfilled.

She emphasised the importance of timely action and coordination between departments to ensure that critical healthcare infrastructure remained functional. “It’s important that isolation wards, oxygen supplies and testing facilities are ready and accessible in all districts,” she said.

Selja also appealed to the public to continue following safety precautions, including wearing of mask and hand hygiene, as a responsible step to protect themselves and others.

Haryana Tribune