Chhattisgarh: The state government declared the closure of schools, colleges, and all technical educational institutions.  Meanwhile, the Chhattisgarh unit of Indian Medical Association Education (IMA) approached the government urging them not to close down medical colleges. 

The Medical Institutions were all shut after the National outbreak the last year. The government issued an order to resume colleges on December 6, 2020. However, the institutions began full-fledged operations on December 14th.  With the arrival of mutant strains, the medical fraternity students fear safety. 

Dr Mahesh Sinha, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Branch, IMA, Dr Vikas Agarwal, Chairman, IMA Raipur and Dr Rakesh Gupta, Chairman, Chhattisgarh Hospital Board have written to the Chief Secretary. They requested not to close down medical colleges. He has said, “all medical colleges across the country work in accordance with the prescribed guidelines of the National Medical Commission. Unless there are any instructions on the conduct and examination of the National Medical Commission colleges, medical colleges should not be closed.”

It is reported by TS Singh, the Health Minister, that several PG students are undergoing treatment for COVID. Many of them have also been vaccinated against the viral disease. Unless an emergency situation arises, the closure of medical colleges is not being considered.  He promised to keep all students and doctors safe and use them to facilitate better treatment to the people. 

Chhattisgarh reported 214 new infections and 1 death in the past 24 hours. Durg and Raipur reported the highest active cases in the state’s tally of 10,491.