In wake of the Coronavirus spread, Anjuman Imamia, Leh convened a press conference on March 12 at the Press Club office, Leh.

Ashraf Ali Barcha, President, Anjuman Imamia, Leh alleged lack of proper medical attention to Mohammad Ali while in the hospital who suspected for Covid-19 died on March 7 due to Prostate problem. 

He said, “On March 6, the deceased was first referred to the SNM hospital because of high fever and without investigating his past illness history the medical staff suspected him for Covid19. At 11 pm, the patient was shifted for quarantine at Ladakh Heart Foundation where he was kept till 3 am without proper facilities and care. Later, the health condition of the patient deteriorated and was shifted to SNM again whereas told by the son of the deceased no doctors attended him. The man died in the morning on March 7”.

The sample test of the deceased came negative for coronavirus which was received from Delhi on March 9 evening. The man died of prostate problem.

Ashraf Ali alleged that the medical department fails to follow the medical protocol because the body of the dead man was handed over to his family members before the Coronavirus sample test report. Later, the department claimed back the body again which the family members refused to do so.

“Though the test was negative the doubt among the people as he was suspected case caused a lot of problem to the family members to perform his burial procedure ", he added.

Disheartened with the situation he and his family went through, son of the deceased man, Mohammad Issa said, “No one was willing to touch the body and I buried my own father. I pray that no one else faces the same”.
 
“I totally understand the protocol and the precautionary measures taken by the administration but it is my humble appeal that don’t let others face the same situation I went through”, he added.

Ashraf Ali said that the case should have been dealt with utmost care and precautionary measure. The matter has been brought in to the notice of Lieutenant Governor, Commissioner Secretary and CEC, Hill Council, Leh. The official assured necessary action.

When asked about the allegation, Rigzin Samphel, Commissioner, UT Ladakh said, “It is a matter of investigation and we will definitely look into it. If there is a violation of medical protocol action will be taken.”

Anjuman Imamia also expressed gratitude to Dr. Tashi Thinles and two nurses named Tsering Yangzom and Tsering Angmo for rendering their service by attending patients of Covid 19 in SNM Hospital, Leh.

He said that their service in such a crucial hour is an inspiration to every Ladakhi to stand for each other and fight against the disease.  

Expressing gratitude for bringing the first batch of stranded Ladakhi pilgrims from Iran, he appealed UT administration to take up the issue with concern Ministry in bringing back the remaining passenger from Iran.