Patna: Six new Covid-19 cases have been reported in Patna within the last 24 hours, prompting the health department to step up surveillance ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled roadshow in the city on Thursday.
Among the new cases, a female doctor and two female nurses at AIIMS Patna tested positive after experiencing symptoms like cold, cough, fever, and body ache. At NMCH Medical College and Hospital, two patients—one from Bhagwat Nagar and another from Fatuha—were found Covid-positive during routine testing in the medicine and eye departments, respectively.
Another case was detected near RPS More, where a 42-year-old man tested positive at a private lab in Raja Bazar.
Civil Surgeon Dr. Avinash Kumar Singh confirmed that three patients have been admitted to healthcare facilities while the remaining three are in home isolation. “All necessary steps are being taken to control further spread,” he said.
Increased Vigilance Ahead of PM’s Visit
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Bihar scheduled for May 29–30, the health department has issued strict instructions to conduct Covid testing for all residents living within a 100-meter radius of his route and venues.
Dr. Singh stated that rapid testing kits will be used for this purpose, and health teams have been mobilized across the city. Testing will be conducted at PMCH, NMCH, New Gardiner Road Hospital, Shastrinagar LNJP Bone Hospital, and all primary health centers (PHCs) and sub-divisional hospitals.
100-Bed Covid Ward Set Up at NMCH
As a precautionary measure, NMCH has established a dedicated 100-bed Covid ward with an operation theatre for critical procedures. NMCH Superintendent Dr. Rashmi Prasad said, “Two patients tested positive today after showing symptoms of cough and cold. Both have been advised home isolation.”
The hospital also has RTPCR testing facilities. Dr. Ajay Kumar Sinha, Head of the Medicine Department, has been appointed as the nodal officer for Covid treatment, while Dr. Sanjay Kumar, Head of Microbiology, will oversee RTPCR testing. A duty roster for doctors and staff is being prepared in anticipation of a rise in cases.
Nursing staff have been instructed to avoid taking long leaves, and emergency preparedness protocols have been activated across departments.
As the city braces for the Prime Minister’s visit, health officials are urging the public to remain cautious and report symptoms promptly.
