Dhangadi, December 12

Coronavirus death rate is increasing in Sudurpaschim Province of late.

A 65-year-old male of Dhangadi infected with the virus died while being treated in Seti Provincial Hospital on Wednesday night. Similarly, a male, 73, also died during treatment last night.

COVID patients are dying on a daily basis after the virus started spreading at the community level. At least one person has been dying every 24 hours due to Covid.

Information Officer Dilip Kumar Shrestha at Seti Provincial Hospital said the death rate had increased in the last few days. As many as 25 infected people died while being treated at the hospital till date, he said.

The hospital said the deceased were suffering from diabetes, pneumonia and kidney problems, among other health related problems. He added people with chronic illness were more vulnerable to the virus.

According to the Social Development Ministry of the province, as many as 44 infected persons died due to the virus in the province till date. Most of them died during treatment at the coronavirus special hospital.

As many as 23 have died due to COVID in Kailali, seven in Kanchanpur, three each in Bajhang and Dadeldhura, two each in Achham, Bajura and Darchula and one each in Doti and Baitadi.

Deaths caused by the virus are on the rise, but people in the province are still not following health safety measures. People can be seen walking in the market area and crowded places without wearing face masks.

Health workers here have expressed worry that this behaviour might lead to a health crisis.

Chief of the Provincial Health Directorate Dr Gunaraj Awasthi said sheer negligence on the part of people would create a big problem for all. He said elderly citizens and chronic patients would be at high risk of getting infected.

Dr Awasthi said deaths could be reduced if patients were given good care.