Over 6 lakh identified at high risk in 9 Rajasthan districts

Jaipur: Nine areas of nine districts in the state have been identified to prevent mortality due to Covid-19. These areas consist of over six lakh people who are at high risk due to their age and comorbid conditions. With the mortality rate having shot up in May in comparison to April, the priority for the state government is to detect Covid-19 cases early so as to prevent deaths.

The state has reported 103 deaths so far, 48 of which occurred in May (till Saturday).

“Early detection through timely testing is the key to prevent mortality. Rajasthan has launched Mission LISA (Life Saving) in which vulnerable persons are being identified through line listing of targeted Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries who are known to have other comorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension and coronary ailments,” said Rohit Kumar Singh, additional chief secretary (health).

“Till Friday, about 6.39 lakh such persons were contacted and checked upon by our healthcare workers in nine districts,” said Singh.

Among the nine areas are Ajmer’s Muslim Mochhi Mohalla, Banswara’s ward 12 in Kushalgarh, Bharatpur’s Kasai Pada in Bayana, Jaipur’s Ramganj area, Jodhpur’s Nagori Gate, Kota’s Chandraghata, Nagaur’s Basni, Tonk’s Bambore Gate and Chittorgarh’s Nimbahera.

According to the health department, 70% of the Covid-19 patients are asymptomatic and do not require much treatment, they get cured on their own.

The state government is worried about the rest 30%. These are the high-risk persons who are suffering from underlying diseases or comorbid conditions or are elderly. The government is taking measures to prevent mortalities by identifying these patients in containment areas. They are holding camps and asking the elderly and other high-risk group patients to get tested for Covid-19.

According to Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital’s death audit report, except for six patients who died till May 6, 49 had comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, chronic diseases of heart, lungs, kidney and liver and stroke. Also, more than half of the people who died were above 60 years of age.

Keeping in mind the pattern of deaths, the health department has deployed teams in nine districts of the state. Till Friday, the health department had conducted check-ups of 6.39 lakh persons along with 74,595 high-risk persons. They found 95 high-risk persons who required immediate medical attention. They were referred to hospitals for further check-up and treatment. Besides, they took samples of 788 people belonging to high-risk group.