By Muna Hamal, Surkhet, May. 6: Following a massive surge in COVID-19 cases, the local levels of Surkhet have started preparations to operate additional isolation beds with an oxygen facility.

A 25-bed isolation centre with oxygen support has been established in City Hall by Gurvakot Municipality in coordination with Mehelkuna Hospital.

Likewise, Simta Rural Municipality has set up 50 isolation beds with oxygen. Kabindra KC, Chairman of the Rural Municipality said that COVID-19 patients in serious condition would be admitted to the isolation centre. "Apart from accommodating the patients, the Rural Municipality has also made arrangements for collecting swab samples for RT-PCR tests, conducting antigen tests and generating awareness across Simta area with the help of healthcare professionals."

Chingang Rural Municipality of the district has also established a 15-bed isolation centre with an oxygen facility. The Rural Municipality informed that a five-bed COVID-19 hospital was also in operation where seven virus-infected patients are under treatment.

Similarly, Birendranagar Municipality is preparing to set up a 50-bed well-facilitated isolation centre. "The works have been moving forward in full swing. 25 beds with oxygen supply will come into operation within a few days," said Mohan Maya Dhakal, deputy mayor of the municipality. "We've also been running ambulance service with oxygen facility free of cost."

Panchapuri Municipality has also readied 15 isolation beds for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. According to Mayor Upendra Thapa, the oxygen supply for one bed had been managed in the five-bed COVID-19 hospital. "Works for procurement of oxygen cylinder and deployment of doctors are also going on," he said.

A five-bed isolation centre with oxygen has been set up in Chaukune Rural Municipality as well. Gagan Pandey, public health officer, said that preparations were going on to add 45 more beds to the isolation centre.

Moreover, Bheriganga Municipality has established a COVID-19 fund of Rs. 10 million and has started the process for procurement of medicine and oxygen cylinders. Dhirendra Gharti, COVID-19 focal person said, "Currently, oxygen supply has been arranged in two isolation beds. We will shortly set up an oxygen facility in 15 more beds."

Lokbeshi Municipality of the district has readied 15 isolation beds at the building of Dasharpur Agriculture Investigation Centre. According to Mayor Gagansingh Sunar, the seriously ill COVID-19 patients were being sent to the provincial hospital until now.

Along with the beginning of the second wave of the pandemic, the COVID-19 tally of Surkhet has also been soaring. Currently, there are over 1,500 active cases of the virus infection in the district and prohibitory order has been imposed across the district until May 14.

Photos: Kiran Oli