New COVID-19 case reported at Silchar Medical College Hospital

Silchar: Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) reported a new COVID-19 case on Wednesday evening. The patient, a medical student at the institution, tested positive but is reportedly asymptomatic and currently undergoing treatment.

Dr Bhaskar Gupta, Principal of SMCH, confirmed that the student initially presented symptoms of fever and sore throat, prompting testing. He informed that the patient is asymptomatic and recovering well. The swab sample will be sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune or to the COVID-19 testing laboratory in Dibrugarh for further analysis.

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According to Assam Tribune, on the hospital’s preparedness to deal with a potential rise in cases, Dr Gupta stated, “We are certainly better equipped now to handle any exigencies. From just six ICU beds during the first wave of the pandemic, we now have 200 ICU beds, dedicated isolation units, and other supporting facilities in place.”

In response to the case, the Cachar District Health Society has swung into action. Dr Shibananda Roy, Joint Director of Health Services, stated that contact tracing will be initiated as per the updated COVID-19 protocol, focusing especially on individuals exhibiting Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) or Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) symptoms.