News Kashmir Magazine

Cold Season can rapidly spread Coronavirus : DR.Shikha Panwar 
DR. SHIKHA PANWAR,M.B.B.S, M.D. (Anesthesiology), IDCCM (Indian Diploma in Critical Care Medicine), Associate Director & HOD Sarvodaya Hospital  is leading Intensivist of India with over 15 years of experience .
In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir , she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
Why has Delhi Covid Picture gone worse suddenly?
Delhi picture has got worse sudden as people were not following Social Distance norms .Many people three Diwali Party without following any Standard Operating Procedures SOPs ,and this callous attitude gave rise to number of Coronavirus cases. The Increase in Pollution level, decrease in temperature , Increase in activity of people and above all people not masking properly has lead to increase in cases in Delhi .
What Precautions should people take in winters ?The people due to winters need to take extra precautions and this virus survives in lower temperature .Once the virus survives in lower temperature it can remain on surfaces for longer time .This is airborne opportunistic infection also so if it is a crowded place any one being Covid positive outhere can transmit it through coughing and virus will remain suspended for sometime . In hot and dry temperature virus gets killed soon ,but in cold virus does not loose moisture so virus spreads soon.So due to these realities cold season can result in more cases.  The people need to clean and sterilise high touch surfaces often and wear clean ,sterlized mask daily . If it is a cotton mask you should not use it beyond ten to fifteen uses .What is proper way of wearing masks ?Proper way of wearing masks is that most of people know how to wear it properly .It should be a three layer cotton mask ,front and back should be cotton and Central of mask should be silk layer .It should be adequately covering your nose and below your chin .The sterilisation of mask is must especially if it is cotton mask  .High risk patients especially those who are old and have Comorbidity should wear surgical masks . One surgical mask can be used only for eight hours and so change it daily ,but it should be thrown in proper sterilisation  method .Air drying masks for 62 hours especially N95 can help you to reuse them .N95 Masks should be mostly used by those who are in close contact with Covid patients .Latest research shows Mouthwash can be effective in fighting Coronavirus,your take on it ?We have some research that shows Mouthwash can be effective in fighting Coronavirus ,but once the virus enters the cells it multiplies and it takes over the machinery of the body and at that time mouthwash won’t help . Mouthwashing can be effective only in intial stages when Coronavirus is lodged in throat and later on it can’t help. We must do mouthwash but relying only on Mouthwash can’t help us in fighting Coronavirus Kashmir is known for harsh  cold winters ,what extra precautions should people take ?Kashmir is a place known for very cold temperatures in winters . You have to avoid cold temperatures and avoid congestion and heavy population of people. Kashmir has one advantage it has less population and physical distance maintaing is easy. People in indoor places should try not to flood their places with people . Please open often a door and ensure room ventilation.Role of antibody testing in fighting Coronavirus Pandemic ?The role of antibody testing in fighting Coronavirus Pandemic can be understood by the fact that Coronavirus Pandemic is a huge challenge for us and antibody testing has got a limited role in this fight . The strain of Coronavirus is changing that makes immunity unsure facet .Some research shows antibody lasts for six to 12 months but based on that immunity passport can’t be given . Although reinfection cases won’t be much but some people will get reinfected as their bodies won’t handle the change in strain. Even if you have developed antibody still maintain social distance and good hand hygiene. What is your message ?My message is simple and clear .I don’t want people to get infected and I want people to be sensitive to others and not to spread the infection to others. If we take responsibility of own we won’t spread it to society.As soon people get Covid symptoms they should start isolating and shun isolation only after going Covid negative. Young people can be asymptomatic but carry it to home to Elders and harm them .People should be conscious of their own actions .When do you see effective vaccine coming in India ?I don’t see India getting Covid vaccine in 2021 .Only if WHO intervenes health care professional might get it in mid 2021 . India’s covaxin is still in third stage trails and even with 70 percent efficacy it won’t be better bet .We need something like  Pfizer which has 90 percent efficacy but they  will give it first to rich nations .

Black voters gave overwhelming support to Joe Biden Kamla Harris is future of Democratic Party : Analisa Swan, Democratic Delegate 

Analisa Swan is a prominent USA activist . She was  DNC Delegate for Joe Biden CA 28, Attorney at Law at Ford and Wallach ,a grassroots activist who campaigned passionately for American elect President Joe Biden and VP Kamla Harris .over a decade of experience advocating solely on behalf of injured workers for Ford & Wallach, Ms. Swan is a passionate committed advocate for individuals seeking benefits through the California workers’ compensation system.
In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir, she talks to Rameez Makhdoomi.
How was Joe Biden victory possible which was looking a  distant reality a year back ?
In my opinion, Joe was able to win the primary (1) with a very committed core group of unpaid volunteer supporters that included people like myself. Some were with Joe from the beginning. Others, like myself came to Joe after our candidate in the primary dropped out. My first candidate in the primary was Kamala. When Kamala dropped out, I immediately went to Joe, but continued to advocate for Kamala as VP. Some of the other core volunteers came from Beto O’Rouke’s campaign. Beto ended his primary campaign in 11/19. In early 12/19, Kamala ended her primary campaign. Volunteers like myself phone banked for Joe, text messaged for Joe, canvassed, and even travelled to other states to canvass and support Joe. The canvassing was pre-pandemic. In 2/20 over Presidents’ Day weekend, I travelled from my home in Burbank (Los Angeles), in the state of California, to Las Vegas, in the state of Nevada, to canvass for Joe.The second and considered the biggest reason Joe ended up winning the 2020 primary is the historic endorsement of House of Representative Congressman, James (Jim) Clyburn (Democrat) in South Carolina. Clyburn is a Black leader in Congress and in the Democratic Party. He gave a very powerful and personal endorsement of Joe. Jim is a moral leader in the Democratic Party. His endorsement resonated throughout South Carolina, and especially with Black voters in South Carolina. Black voters are the backbone of the entire Democratic Party. Black voters are the most reliable Democratic voters. Joe overwhelming won South Carolina on 2/29/20. This ignited massive excitement with Democratic voters in the primary. It gave a strong convincing signal to other members of the Democratic Party that Black voters overwhelmingly support Joe Biden. It was a huge amount of momentum that led into “Super Tuesday” on 3/3/20, when the largest number of states hold their Democratic Party primary election. Joe ended up winning Super Tuesday. At that point money and support began heavily flowing in to the Biden campaign. Much if this spurred by the urgency in the Democratic Party to coalesce around a front runner. It was felt that Joe as a very well known leader as Obama’s Vice President, and Joe’s more moderate policy stance than some of than some of the other candidates in the primary such as Bernie Sanders or Elizabeth Warren, would be most likely to win the general election.
What is your take on Kamla Harris as vice president? Joe made a historic choice by selecting Kamala Devi Harris as VP. Kamala is my Senator and was my Attorney General. She is a brilliant attorney, and extremely charismatic. Selecting Kamala represents the diversity of America. Kamala is Black and Indian (South Asian American). She is the 1st woman VP, the 1st VP that is Black, and the 1st VP that is Indian (South Asian American). She is very liberal and a leader. She has led on LGBTQIA+ rights, she helped reform the criminal justice system in California to make it more progressive, even as much reform is still needed in our criminal justice system. California is the 5th largest economy in the world. California has the largest population in America. California has the largest criminal justice system, second only to the federal government. As such, Kamala, brings a lot of experience as VP from her experience in the Senate and as AG from her tome leading the big state of California.

How tough is Covid Challenge for Biden?Joe’s main actions will be to get control of the out of control COVID19 pandemic in America. Joe plans to set up a coronavirus task force . Joe plans to work closely with scientists and the medical community. Joe’s plans also include protecting and restoring Obamacare (healthcare); rejoin the Paris climate accord and fight climate change; overturn the Muslim travel ban; reinstate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which allows “dreamers” i.e., undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, to remain in the United States.
Your own political ambitions ?I have no plans to run for any political offices, but I really enjoy grassroots political activism! I believe in fighting for our rights and good policies. Democracy is not a spectator sport. It requires active participation and voting!
How was the mood in democratic party different this time as opposed to 2016?I should also add that unlike in 2016, the Democratic Party was extremely unified around the Democratic nominee, Joe Biden. The candidates and supporters of the candidates that did not win the nomination, quickly and fully supported Joe Biden.Everyone in the Democratic Party recognized the existential threat posed by Donald Trump to democracy and the party united to defeat  Trump.
 Some more views on Kamla Harris and Joe Biden ?Personally, I am so excited for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris! Kamala represents the future of the Democratic Party. Joe sees himself as someone able to help be a bridge to future leadership in America and the Democratic Party.

 Use electricity Judiciously :  Ajaz Ahmad Dar, Chief Engineer KPDCL 

Chief Engineer Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Ajaz Ahmad Dar in an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir Magazine talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz 
Why has Curtailment increased from October and worsened in November ?There was almost no Curtailment in October Month in Srinagar City and District Headquarters,and we gave power supply for about 23 hours and sometimes for one hour there was curtailment due to repairing work . This 23 hour power supply continued till ending October ,but there was slightly more curtailment in North Kashmir and Central Kashmir .We in area like Buchpora are having more prolonged Curtailment especially since beginning of November?In Buchpora we have both metered and non metered consumers and metered have three hours curtailment  while non metered have four hours . If it is exceeding we would look into this .You will have to understand that come winters people use profusely heating gadgets as a result extra loading .So we will have to review Curtailment .
Covid Pandemic is ragging and people need electricity to maintain oxygen to loved ones ?We have been looking into this matter since March especially since Home Quarantine for patients  started .I requested people through press and other mediums to avoid using heating gadgets and sophisticated gadgets which has put heavy load .People are not listening .We are trying our best as during this time last year Curtailment ranged from 7 to 8 hours .
You have highlighted towards judicious use of Electricity, doesn’t it require more surprise inspection of homes  ?Through our Twitter, Facebook  accounts of all divisions we share images of our teams inspecting and in one division fifty to sixty inspection carried and about 2000 inspection carried in day wherein high voltage gadgets like Heaters and boilers are seized  .
Why often repairs  in  winters only not in summers ?With the exception of Srinagar all our transmission lines pass through paddy fields and Fruit orchards as a result repairing of lines and other things is possible in summers in Srinagar only and in winters thus rural areas witness more power shutdowns .
What about smart meters; has work been stopped?Smart meters installing is a continuous process.Actually two lac were approved for union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir .One lac for Jammu and one lac for Srinagar. We have funding available  for 57.5 thousand and attending 37 feeders in this regard ,which have already cables installed and meter compailaint .The executive agency of Government in this regard is RECPDCL ,they have committed to us they will start installing them from 15 November .The consumer via this will know how much he is consuming per hour and how much money is deducting and it will work on same parlance as mobile recharging .The consumer will get extra cushion as he will be given alarm before 48 hours when his recharge is about to finish .
The consumer should welcome this,this  is basically a system reform  .There voltage will improve  . The HT and LT is being changed and  improved and huge transformers replaced by small one ,plus proper accounting taking place .
Line man especially of PDD often get electrocuted while repairing causing deaths too  ?This often happens only due to violation of Standard operating Procedures .We have devised a proper plan for how to go without HT ,LT and EHT repair plan and how shutdown would be done and work undertaken  and with this road map being implemented soon these tragic incidents  would be history.
Is it likely that Curtailment will go up ?Yes if we would be overloaded beyond our load generation the Curtailment would certainly go up and we would be forced to raise curtailment hours .You have to remember it is still 3 hours ,while as last year during this time it was 8 hours .What is your message ?My only message is that use electricity judiciously .You can use geyser for limited time in night and stop using crude boilers and heaters .And use blowers only where elderly are .Use conventional heating gadgets in other rooms and use electricity within their agreements .People should not use illegal hooks .Lot of unease was among employees of PDD soon after JK became UT .Have they adjusted now ?I and my colleagues have accepted the change .In all parts of the Country it is a corporation and we have to give our best efforts and make it profitable .This positive message has gone from bottom to top.

Wear masks to protect yourselves and society : Dr.Naveed Nazir Shah 
Kashmir Valley’s leading Pulmonologist and HoD Chest Diseases Hospital, Dr Naveed Nazir Shah, has emerged as a prominent face in Kashmir in our efforts towards fighting pandemic Coronavirus.In an exclusive interview ,he talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz .
What do you think about the current Covid Graph of Kashmir and how  Coronavirus would behave in winter ?

We are going through Covid era. This time graph of Coronavirus cases is witnessing plateau as  we are getting about 500 cases daily on average ,much lower than average 1500 a day during peak summers . We can’t relax as harsh winter is approaching .The patients suffering from other disease especially COPD, Asthama, upper or lower respiratory tract infected patients  are already witnessing aggregated symptoms .The reason is that humidity levels and temperature goes down in winters which causes weakening of local immune system .During harsh winters we all family members in order to get warmth stay hurdled in single room and thus even a single infected member can infect entire family ,the early indication is that we have started to get cluster cases of a single family .
What precautions should patients who have recovered from Coronavirus take as winters are approaching?

The Covid recovered patients can be divided into categories.In mild or moderate the symptoms don’t occur much maybe sometimes intermittent fever ,but patients with severe respiratory diseases like COPD ,Asthama or elderly there lungs are already weakened and lungs see residual changes like Fibrosis . Thus these patients are dependent on oxygen for long term and even those who have had  severe Covid in form of  bilateral pneumonia witness significant  damage in lungs .These patients also require long term oxygen requirements.What about post Covid complications care and advise to patients on measuring their oxygen ?Since five to six weeks we have started Covid care clinic .We have started to call those patients who have recovered and operate this cilinic twice .Many patients are still having occasional cough, fatigue and in some severe  cases still requiring oxygen .Oxygen concentrator should be at disposal of those who have had severe Covid ,and often record their oxygen levels with the Oximeters they have been provided  .We have also educated them about critical points as to when such patients should visit hospitals immediately or have check ups .What about anti body testing developed by worldwide health administration to tackle this pandemic of Coronavirus?

Antibody testing is a vital phenomenon in fight against Coronavirus .In Kashmir too we have seen sixty to seventy  percent recovered patients having developed antibodies .We have to research how much time duration these anti bodies last or start to decline and to what extent they will give Covid protection to a person .Will we able to develop full fledged vaccine against Covid till 2021?
The Sops , Guidelines related to Coronavirus are dynamically changing .It is a new virus requiring still lot of research to understand its nature .Even those countries who are claiming to have developed Vaccines are not aware about their efficacy .We have to remember that an effective vaccine developing requires first trials on animals and then humans .We would also have to know even if we develop vaccine how long would its efficiency last .Influenza Vaccine has been much in fashion in recent times .Your take ?

Both influenza and Coronavirus are viral diseases .Influenza Vaccine will give us  no direct protection from Covid .But ,we will get indirect protection as we will get less flu patients ,and patients getting both flu and Covid are less chances and thus relief in terms of severity . Pneumonia vaccine is also recommended for elderly and immuno compromised patients .If a normal patient gets there vaccines done there is no harm as they have indirect benefits .Many people in Kashmir are no longer wearing face masks ,how do you witness this trend?

People should follow health advisory until we don’t get effective vaccine .Mask and handwash by use of hand sanitizer or soap are the most important thing and mask is utmost important because Coronavirus is most spread through droplets and through surface to surface transmission .Mask protects against it and so does hand wash .People should maintain physical distance ,and this time maximum patients are those who have attended crowded social gatherings.

There is also debate on whether dead bodies carry Coronavirus or not ?

Dead body burial has been brought under  proper guidelines .If at a time of death patient is still Covid positive ,and this virus has life on wood ,steel ,cloth and body .We know dead body won’t breathe or cough and transmit virus through it but yes if it is positive at time of death there is risk of spread that is why guidelines laid for Covid last rites .But yes if patient is negative at time of death very less sops needed .
Is there any reality about Covid reinfection?
Coronavirus reinfection is a reality but the cases we get in this regard have no antibody developed .It is also a matter of debate whether in cases of reinfection the virus is new one or the old one getting triggered .All Covid recovered patients even those have antibodies should follow all SOPS and wear face masks as it is not a hard task . Lot is yet to be known about the behaviour and nature of Coronavirus so staying alert and following all guidelines is only way out .
Lastly how lethal can winter be in terms of Covid in Kashmir?

In Europe we are witnessing second wave ,Delhi too is witnessing new spike . In winter we are in threat of having increase in case load due to the fact that we are not taking precautions and secondly due to weather Conditions .Thirdly we don’t have heating arrangements in all rooms and all members of family are hurdled in one room which can easily cause transmission  .Those who are going out especially youth should not come in contact with the elderly ones or anyone in family having Comorbidity .

Any message ?

People should follow all health advisories especially until we don’t have an effective vaccine. Please and Please wear masks as by wearing face masks you protect yourself and your family and society too.

People should register immediately in Jammu and Kashmir Health Care Scheme : Atal Dulloo

Financial Commissioner, health and medical education, Atal Dulloo is a dynamic and vibrant face of Jammu and Kashmir Administration , also overseeing the all important Covid effort of Jammu and Kashmir. 

In an exclusive interview with the News Kashmir he talks to Farzana Mumtaz and Rameez Makhdoomi. 

Why is there less awareness about different schemes of Government on healthcare here in Jammu and Kashmir? The awareness related about health schemes is both there and also not. Less awareness is that people do not know about all schemes especially new schemes of Government of India, so we take help of media and advertise same. But, people have good awareness about established schemes. Take for example Sehat Scheme people are well aware and already nearly half million have registered. People have less awareness on the schemes on Child care and in this regard we take assistance of media, health workers and Anganwari workers. 
You recently talked about attracting Global Investment in Jammu and Kashmir Health care? Would it be possible to get same during ongoing global pandemic? It is reality that during ongoing global pandemic we cannot get investment, but you need to remember that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir wanted to conduct global investment summit to all sectors which was unfortunately postponed due to Pandemic. We have four dynamic proposals going on especially establishing quality hospitals with prestigious institutes. 

Lack of Oxygen Supply in Jammu has been cause of concern during this Covid pandemic. Your take ? Jammu had oxygen problem especially in Jammu Medical College for two to three days. We then immediately streamlined the oxygen supply and gave approval of establishing Liquid oxygen Supply there which would be completed till 31 October . From 25 September since control room has been set this problem has ended. 
Harsh Winter is approaching in Kashmir, what would you suggest people since pandemic of Coronavirus is going? People should adopt appropriate Covid behavior. Firstly they should wear masks, secondly maintain Social Distance and thirdly wash hands often. Are our hospitals ready to face any eventuality during winters in Kashmir? Even during peak of Coronavirus cases, the hospitals in Kashmir managed well and are fully prepared if challenging situation strikes during winters. 
The disposal of Covid of dead body has been big issue in both Jammu and Kashmir. Your take? There is well laid out protocol for the disposal of dead body. It is wrapped in double bags. According to cremation or burial we have a laid down protocols , which is being followed. 
Can you give us an insight into statistical data on how many people have benefited from the Government Healthcare Schemes? In the Ayushman Bharat Scheme some 12 lac people have prepared card and out of which 90000 have taken benefits after being hospitalised. Pradhanmantri National Dialysis programme thirty thousand have been registered. 102, 108 ambulance scheme thirty thousand people were served during these months of pandemic. Ten thousand took benefit of tele radiology. Besides, free drug schemes JSS, Family planning schemes and other women and child health care schemes are going on with full vigor. 
Will all patients be covered by this Universal health care scheme? The honorable LG has recently announced universal healthcare scheme for all residents of Jammu and Kashmir irrespective of their income. All the disease have been covered in this scheme. Some 4.90 lac people already stand registered and in upcoming months we would fasten entire registration process. This scheme provides assistance in tune of rs five lac to patient. 
Jammu and Kashmir is now Union territory, will we see more medical colleges coming? We had given proposal of establishing five medical colleges last year and got permission for establishing four and soon we will get permission for Doda Medical college  . Handwara and Udhampur Medical colleges are in pipelines. During initial days of pandemic Coronavirus the people were angry that senior doctors don’t visit Covid wards in Jammu and Kashmir. Your take? Yes especially during early days of Covid there were such grievances  that senior Doctors don’t visit Covid wards. But now the process has been streamlined and senior doctors visit Covid wards often and this has decreased deaths. 
People complain that Hospital administration in Jammu and Kashmir is marred by inefficiency and politics?This lobbyism is unfortunately in every department here, but our effort is that hospital administration here improves and makes patient and students interest supreme. 
SKIMS, JVC, Chest Disease, SMHS have played well role during this pandemic. What is the further strategy? 
In addition  to the Covid appropriate behavior we need proper  surveillance, 
‌ control the containment zones. We also would be focusing on clinical management meaning proper care and treatment for those who fall sick. We also would be focussing on testing and more testing. 
Your message? My message is that Covid dealing requires Covid appropriate behavior and we are unaware how it will behave in winters. People should no go out without wearing mask. Secondly I would like to appeal to people to register themselves in Jammu and Kashmir Health care Scheme providing health care insurance to all residents of Jammu and Kashmir. 

Kashmir’s exemplary Corona Warrior DSP Sheikh Aadil 
Farzana Mumtaz
Coronavirus is now a widespread pandemic which has killed lacs and infected millions .  We are well aware that harsh lockdowns  have  crushed economies across world and as we are coming out of lock down the crisis still remains as cases continues to increase and with it deaths. 
Kashmir has been witness to many shining examples of Corona Warriors helping humanity. Police officer Sheikh Aadil Mushtaq is paragon of this veracity.  During the tougher phase of Covid-19 lockdown, a top cop Sheikh Aadil Mushtaq posted in traffic department has come out to the rescue of needy people by providing essentials and medicines at their door steps.He has set a wonderful example for one and all. It is pertinent to mention here that, Sheikh Aadil Mushtaq, a 2015 batch Jammu and Kashmir Police Service (JKPS) officer from Baramulla district, who is posted as Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) traffic police in Srinagar has started a chain on volunteer contribution across the Kashmir valley by delivery the lifesaving drugs and essential food items at the door steps of needy people.
Talking to The News Kashmir , Sheikh Aadil shared his experience : “We started this idea of helping needy as we got hundreds of distressed  calls on life saving drugs since initially  lock down was quite tough   we used volunteers from traffic department , and DC srinagar also helped and provided curfew passes for all volunteer. This was initiative by like minded groups. We formed four whatsApp groups ranging from catering to food to medicine to other Covid related help. We used social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp mediums to get people’s request and mobilise help for same. 

Sheikh Aadil adds that now the requests have come down much as the lockdown has been eased the number of requests have come down.
He is stressing people to come forward and don’t be shy of asking any needed help. 
Sheikh Aadil observed :” This Coronavirus  crisis is of gigantic proportions  been seen first time by our generation. With rising cases and deaths the only option with the people remains to adhere to social distancing and follow utmost Precautions. People should regularly wash their hands and maintain perfect hygiene. People should take care of personnel fitness as it holds key to build required immunity to fight Coronavirus. “
He hopes that humanity will soon triumph Coronavirus. 
Sheikh Aadil believe as police has been at forefront battling Coronavirus the pandemic has come as wonderful opportunity of improving police public relations and people are recognizing great efforts of police . 

An exclusive interview with CEO Chinar International Irfan Shahmiri

Child Nurture And Relief (CHINAR) International is a Prominent NGO of Kashmir,and a name to reckon with when it comes to helping humanity. It is focused on empowerment of “Orphans, Vulnerable Children & Marginalized Youth” in conflict areas through Education and Socioeconomic Initiatives.
In the wake of the recent outbreak of Coronavirus
across the globe, Chinar International launched a COVID-19 Relief
Program in Kashmir. This program has four focus areas – awareness, emergency relief, helpline service and education.
In an exclusive interview with The News Kashmir Magazine, Irfan Shahmiri, CEO Chinar talks to Rameez Makhdoomi and Farzana Mumtaz.

How difficult has been it working in Covid pandemic situation?
It was a challenging situation.
We are used to lockdowns, shutdown in Kashmir. The Coronavirus was unknown thing as we didn’t know what COVID is . The positive this time was that internet was working and when lockdown happened we went into crisis mode and held meetings. We accordingly devised a protocol, strategy and programmes to work during this crisis.

What have been main programmes conducted by Chinar International for masses during these months?

We understood that daily wagers, laborers would be badly hit thus food would become a big issue and secondly people did not known what Coronavirus was. Thirdly it would impact education.
First thing we did was that we ran awareness as we tapped information from online mediums and launched the awareness through different mediums like Social media. We put a helpline so that needy can connect us in case of needing food relief and complete process was formed so that relief in form of emergency kits reaches deserving. We have in partnership with District administration and other NGOs distributed more than 3100 food kits in many districts of Jammu and Kashmir . Our food kits caters to needs of family of five for one month.

How did you ensure that your volunteers safety during relief distribution?
It is a very good question. Once we understood the nature of disease it became clear that social distance and safety measures for our staff and volunteers is a must.We provided proper PPPe and followed complete safety protocol and with the grace of almighty it is going so far smoothly .
We have been very much pragmatic in dealing with the current crisis. Immediately after the first
case was reported, we focused on spreading awareness about the disease
in order to stop individual and community spread. Safety of the staff
was a major concern so we arranged PPE’s and developed protocols to
work on the ground. Soon after, we carried out relief operations, with a
focus on families who needed immediate support to sustain themselves
during these testing times.

You have also created awareness programmes on coping with mental stress. A bit on that?

We wanted to reach masses and knowing the internet connectivity is a road block in Kashmir so we used conference bridge wherein people can just dial over about there mental issues. We have organized global mental health town hall for the people who are fighting this disease and have been directly or indirectly impacted . We are talking on diverse issues and have conducted sessions by well known mental health experts and Doctors of globe .

How far have your main programmes being of working on education of vulnerable children hit due to Coronavirus?

The big part of impact due to Coronavirus pandemic is felt on education. We know due to Social distancing we have to think out of box. We could not have community learning center due to Coronavirus. We did a survey and found that some students had access to smart phone , some to normal phones and some did not have . We devised study packages according to the infra availability of students.We used online application for creating virtual classrooms for students and also provides stationary kits.

What is your message?
My message would be people should listen to health experts. They should wear masks and follow Social Distancing. Wash hands regularly and avoid going to public places.