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.

Also Read: Senior NBMCH doctor tests positive for COVID-19

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.

Speaking to Assam Tribune, Dr Roy said, “The District Civil Hospital is prepared to manage emergency situations with a 40-bed COVID-19 ward, isolation rooms, and other allied health facilities. However, there is currently no ICU-enabled COVID-19 ward at the hospital, and such cases are referred to SMCH.”

He also mentioned that the hospital has a six-bed ICU for general patients, and plans are underway to expand its capacity. A 50-bed Critical Care Unit, inaugurated by Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, is also under construction to strengthen emergency care facilities in the region.

Also Read: Silchar's SM Dev Civil Hospital to Get Critical Care Block

Medical Dialogues had previously reported that Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma laid the foundation stone for a 50-bed Critical Care Block at SM Dev Civil Hospital in Silchar. Spanning 6,335 square meters, the block will consist of the ground floor plus four additional stories. The facility is expected to enhance critical care with an ICU, Operation Theatre, isolation wards, and a pediatric care unit to cater to the diverse needs of the patients.