SOS brings respite

Amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir has been nothing different from other States of the country. There were reports about the shortage of oxygen in the Union Territory. Besides, the reports also surfaced about the shortage of vaccines and medicines. However, the government always rebutted the reports, saying that the vaccines and medicines are adequately available in Jammu and Kashmir and there is no shortage of any Covid related medicines here. Nonetheless, the spike in cases created chaos on the ground with hospitals remaining flooded across Jammu and Kashmir. Amid the increase in positivity rate and reports about the shortage of oxygen and other related things, hundreds of youth have been actively participating in ensuring proper treatment and necessary medicines to the COVID or non-COVID patients. The youth across Jammu and Kashmir have formed WhatsApp and other social media groups where the patients in need have been highlighting their sufferings and are getting the assistance within a shortest possible time. These SOS groups have helped many patients to breathe and survive amid the prevalent situation. Therefore, in order to ensure treatment at ease to the patients, the government hospitals must be directed to coordinate with the SOS groups so that the patients in dire need of oxygen and other related things will not suffer. These groups can be used as a tool to reach the patients in need. The concerned department must not leave the opportunity at this juncture and should get in touch with the youth to reach out to those who are in need of medicines and other related things.