Coronavirus continues its dance of death in Andhra Pradesh. On an average, the state is reporting 10,000 new infections every day. The total number of cases has reached 5.17 lakh by September 10. The average daily death toll is 80. According to government statistics, 3,17,000 have recovered so far from the disease while around one lakh people are undergoing treatment. There are allegations that the state government is confining itself to only tests and abandoning positive patients to their fate.
Left in the lurch
The state government is allowing corona positive patients to isolate themselves at homes. But such patients are complaining through the health department helpline IVRS that the government is not even extending them medical advice, let alone treatment. More than half the patients in Chittoor, Vizianagaram, East Godavari and Prakasam districts said that the authorities are not caring for them and there were no calls from doctors.
People undergoing home treatment are not even given tablets from the government. This void is being filled by unqualified rural medical practitioners (RMPs) whose unscientific treatment is putting the lives of patients at risk. As these quacks treat infected people without taking minimum care, they themselves are becoming super spreaders in villages. An RMP in Pamarru in Krishna district infected 40 people, before succumbing to the disease. Despite many such instances, the government seems not to be caring for patients in rural areas, except conducting tests.
10 lakh cases by month-end
If the current pace of infections continues, doctors are predicting that the state will reach the 10-lakh mark milestone by September-end. They say the state is consistently reporting 10,000 daily cases as the testing capacity is limited. If tests are increased, more cases will be reported.
Corona has dealt a heavy blow to the state economy. Revenue of the state government has nosedived. Currently, only revenues from the rural areas are keeping the government running. Agricultural activities are going as usual. If the rural economy too is affected by the pandemic, the state coffers will be in dire straits. This makes it more important for the government to take urgent steps to control Covid in villages.
