Tightly Guarded Ladakh Keeps Covid-19 Count Halted For 12 Days 

The Union Territory of Ladakh was among the first few regions in India to report the initial cases of Covid-19. As of now, Ladakh, which is not lowering its guard on the fight against the coronavirus which causes Covid-19, has seen a halt in the increase of cases. The UT has not reported any new case for the last 12 days.

The villages where suspected isolation cases were found have taken the lockdown and isolation protocols seriously. People are cooperating with the authorities. They are said to be taking social distancing in their already distanced lives seriously.

The suspension of road transport between Srinagar and Leh is being considered a major factor helping Ladakh, which follows the primary health care model, in keeping the spread muffled as of now.

Sonam Norboo Memorial Hospital, Leh, is spearheading care and treatment of patients of Covid-19. According to a report, ‘Mahabodhi Karuna Charitable (MKC) hospital in Leh and GNM school in Kargil have also been designated as hospitals for Coronavirus treatment in the Union Territory.’

The first Covid-19 patient that Ladakh reported last month is a returnee from Iran. The number of Covid-19 patients in Ladakh stands at 11. Out of the earlier count of 13, two patients whose tests were showing negative results were shifted to a quarantine facility — to remain under watch.

Ladakh MP Jamyang Tsering Namgyal has sought the airlifting of people of Ladakh who are stuck in Delhi and Chandigarh. He has written to the Civil Aviation Minister Hardeep Singh Puri seeking special flights between Leh, Delhi and Chandigarh, which can help people who were in the two cities for medical treatment.

People of Ladakh usually travel to Delhi and Chandigarh to seek medical care at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), and PGI in Chandigarh.

This report quotes him saying: “Many of them came for routine check-up/follow up under the medical protocol. Most of the patients are on a budget and are on the verge of running short of money. Even some are reported to have been facing a financial crisis as they are supposed to fly back home to Ladakh. Suddenly, the lockdown started.”

Namgyal assured that on their return to Leh, the Ladakhis from Delhi and Chandigarh ‘shall be compulsorily quarantined for specific period under COVID-19 protocol’.

He has also written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking ‘early evacuation of the stranded pilgrims’ from Iran.

Besides donating a month's salary, Namgyal has sanctioned Rs 1 crore from his MPLADS fund for Leh and Kargil districts.