BLW WORKS IN COORDINATION WITH DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION TO COMBAT SECOND COVID WAVE
Varanasi: General Manager Banaras Locomotive Works Anjali Goyal inspected the site for installation of a 610 liters per minute capacity, PSA Oxygen Generation Plant Oxygen plant at BLW Central Hospital on 7th June 21. She expressed satisfaction at the arrangements and guided officers on being ready to commission the Plant at the earliest. She urged that all safety precautions be followed at time of commissioning. The plant is being set up through Corporate Social Responsibility funds arranged by District Administration. This will help increase Beds with oxygen from 40 to 100at Central Hospital BLW, adding significantly to COVID preparedness.
A review of preparations for the special pediatric ward for potential COVID affected children was also undertaken. On advice of the District Authorities, BLW has made arrangements for 18 Oxygen beds, 6 ICU beds, 7 BiPAP machines and 3 High Flow Nasal Cannula for children. Procurement of medicines and other necessary equipment is near completion. These facilities are a critical infrastructure given that pediatric population is more than 3600 under BLW hospital care.
As the COVID cases rose in Varanasi, under the second wave, the coordination and collaboration between District Administration of Varanasi and BLW has scaled new heights, in the concerted efforts to overcome the virulent second wave. During a crisis period, 04 no. of filled up Jumbo Oxygen Cylinders were supplied by PT. DeenDayalUpdhayay Hospital on a single night. Besides this ambulance services and steady supply of medicines and oxygen has ensured safe recovery of patients admitted at BLW Hospital.
On request of the District Administration, BLW gave five ventilators to HomiBhabha Cancer Hospital for COVID emergencies. 50 oxygen cylinders were also made available, alongwith supply of two Air Reservoirs of 420 Ltr. Capacity each, for setting up Oxygen Generation Plant in the District. Taking forward the Govt’s goal of vaccination in mission mode, BLW has taken all measures to fully utilized doses of COVID Vaccine supplied by State Government. 29530 persons have been vaccinated so far, with the larger share being non Railway persons. BLW continues to be the one of the most sought after vaccination centre amongst residents of Kashi. More than 5276 RAT tests and 6086 RT-PCR tests were carried out by BLW till 5th June 2021.
GM BLW deeply appreciated the dedication and intensive efforts of the Medical team of BLW, led extremely ably by the PCMO, in the face of the second COVID wave. The medical team has worked relentlessly for more than two months to ensure COVID recoveries and post COVID care. The BLW mantra of Test, Trace, Treat, has led to comprehensive coverage and timely detection of COVID spread amongst residents on and off the BLW campus with smooth recovery. Special drives to test 1500 asymptomatic persons on campus, in shops etc led to timely identification of potential COVID spreaders and curbing further spread of COVID.
BLW has pursued a unique approach of engaging every department in the battle against COVID, during this second wave. More than 100 volunteers across all departments, led by senior most officers, monitored oxygen supplies, COVID patient status, availability and delivery of medicines and counselling activities. GM stated that this exemplary team spirit and staff representatives cooperation has been the real success story of BLW in combatting the initial high positivity rates witnessed in BLW campus. This team working and dedicated care of the Medical Team ensured that despite more than 20% officers and staff of BLW being affected by COVID during the second wave, the Production Unit has kept the manufacturing process continuing, maintaining strict COVID protocol. 34 Electric Locos and 1 diesel loco for export to Mozambique have been turned out in April-May 2021, against 8 last year during this period.
