Sunday, 25 April 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Useful suggestions made by political leaders to be implemented, says Rawat
Considering the alarming Covid surge in the state, chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat held a virtual meeting with representatives of all political parties and sought their suggestions on Saturday. Seeking the cooperation of all political parties in effectively tackling the pandemic, the CM assured that action will be taken on the suggestions made by the various political leaders. He said that in the future too, he will hold discussions with representatives of all political parties and take their assistance.
Prades Congress Committee president Pritam Singh, leader of opposition Indira Hridayesh, former CM Harish Rawat, independent MLA Pritam Singh Panwar, Diwakar Bhatt of Uttarakhand Kranti Dal, Bharatiya Janata Party state president Madan Kaushik and BJP state general secretary Kuldeep Kumar were among those present in the meeting. Stating that the political leaders had made useful suggestions, Rawat said that these will be implemented. The CM said that all are of the view that the chain of infection must be effectively broken. He assured that there is no shortage of oxygen in the state. He informed that 500 more beds had been added at the Covid care centre in the sports college in Dehradun while 100 beds had also been arranged in Coronation hospital. Apart from Haldwani medical college, 75 per cent beds had been reserved for Covid patients in five private hospitals while hotels are also being acquired. In addition to ensuring availability of oxygen at Rudrapur, Selaqui and Roorkee, its supply from outside the state is also being ascertained. Stating that testing has been increased in the state, he said that more testing is being done in Uttarakhand compared to other states. Effective measures are being taken to break the chain of transmission. Government offices which were kept closed for three days will be kept closed for three more days. Referring to various other measures being taken to control the situation, he stressed that the situation can be brought under control through public awareness. He further said that officials have been directed to take strict action against anyone found involved in black marketing of Covid medicines. Arrangements have also been made to provide better treatment to the general public and additional measures will be taken if needed to facilitate the treatment of the poor citizens. In addition to announcing free vaccination for those aged above 18 years, the government is also increasing the number of quarantine centres, he added.
Health secretary Amit Singh Negi informed that currently the rate of Covid spread in Uttarakhand is three times the rate witnessed last year. Special focus is being laid on testing, tracing and treatment considering this. While earlier there used to be upto 12,000 tests daily, now 25,000 tests are being conducted daily. Further, attempts are being made to facilitate better treatment to the patients. A committee of specialist doctors has also been formed for this purpose. Stating that the problem is greater in the four plain districts, he said that oxygen and ventilator beds have also been arranged considering this. Focus is being laid on mini-lockdown to prevent major impact on the economic activities in the state.
