Thursday, 13 May 2021 | PNS | Dehradun
Chief minister Tirath Singh Rawat told the Union Health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan that Uttarakhand has been allocated 60 metric tonnes of oxygen from Jharkhand and West Bengal whereas there are oxygen plants in Dehradun, Kashipur and Roorkee. He said that the state should be allocated oxygen from these plants which will also save time. He suggested that the Central government should issue tender for procurement of vaccines and fix the rates for the same. Rawat said this in the virtual meeting chaired by Vardhan to review the status of Covid-19 and vaccination in the country on Wednesday.
The CM also requested the union minister to provide 10,000 oxygen concentrators, two lakh pulse oxymeters and 10,000 oxygen D-type cylinders. He said that currently using 50 per cent of state disaster relief fund is permissible for Covid-19 works and if this is raised to 100 per cent, the state can enhance oxygen supply and other facilities in its hospitals. Rawat averred that consistent efforts are being undertaken to tackle Covid in Uttarakhand with special focus on testing.
The Union minister said that the states should lay special focus on testing, tracking, tracing and micro containment zones. The states should also ensure that those who have been administered their first dose of vaccine receive their second dose on time. Special focus should also be laid on decreasing the positivity rate and death rate. Vardhan said that the Centre is making all possible efforts to resolve all issues of the states and meet their requirements.
