Mumbai, Jun 26: In a humanitarian gesture, a mosque in Bhiwandi town of adjoining Thane district has been converted by its administrators into a temporary COVID-19 facility, where oxygen is provided free of cost to patients.
The facility at Makkah Masjid in the Shanti Nagar area of the powerloom town has been set up by the local chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Movement for Peace and Justice and the Shanti Nagar Trust, which runs the mosque.
Apart from putting up five beds equipped with oxygen cylinders, the JIH also delivers them for free to patients homes if required, an office-bearer of the JIH said, adding the makeshift facility is open to all communities.
So far, the Bhiwandi-Nizampur municipality has recorded over 1,332 COVID-19 cases and 88 casualties. It has a mortality rate of 5.26 per cent, a release stated.
"Bhiwandi-Nizampur has been hit hard by the pandemic as it is a congested city. It doesn't even have proper health infrastructure.
"The situation has only worsened during the pandemic as general medical practitioners have shut their clinics fearing the virus spread," said Ausaf Ahmed Falahi, president of the JIH's Bhiwandi chapter.
As a majority of people here lack awareness about the viral disease and are unable to afford treatment, a facility like this one was the need of the hour, he said.
Over 70 persons have benefited from this facility, which has two doctors, while 15 oxygen cylinders have been delivered to the homes of eight COVID-19 patients, Falahi said.
People irrespective of their religion have been availing treatment at the mosque, he added.
"Makkah Masjid has been shut for prayers since the lockdown. So, we decided to use a part of the premises to help those who can't avail treatment elsewhere," said Qaiser Mirza of the Shanti Nagar Trust.
Comments
The NH 66 is very close to station here and the town is on opposite side. A limited height subway linking NH 66 and west side of Manjeshwar Railway station is a must for pedestrians. Foot Over Bridge will be of no use as it is difficult for people to climb the stairs especially for elders and women with kids on tow. Authorities should wake up. There is just a pathway connecting east and west sides of the station. If any train is staioned on the tracks waiting for signal or crossing people tend to cross under the waggons.
Its like suicide only. I saw many people doing the same for getting out from railway station.
Very Sad Rip to the departed souls, urgently we need bullet train to take more lifes
People trying for easy way by risking their life. RIP
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