Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed the COVID-19 situation in the state and directs to ramp up beds with oxygen system. “Although there are no issues of beds and oxygen in the state currently still then we will have to remain prepared,” the CM said.
Presiding the review meeting, the Odisha Chief Minister said that the second wave of COVID infections has seriously affected many states. The health system in some cities is under severe strain due to the rapid increase in COVID-19 positive patients.
The cases in Odisha also have been increasing in the last few days. Due to our alert preparedness and proactive measures, we have been able to manage the situation to a large extent. However, we need to be prepared for the worst-case scenario and ensure that every patient is treated with dignity and put in best efforts to save precious lives, said Patnaik
The Chief Minister highlighted the below-mentioned steps to be followed on priority:
Increasing the number of beds in Covid Hospitals and Covid Care Centres across the State. Special focus should be on providing the maximum possible number of beds with oxygen support. The system has to work on war footing to ensure this within committed timelines. ]
Oxygen supply situation to be closely monitored and ensure that all related accessories at the hospital level are available on priority.
Many states are facing critical medicines shortages. Even though we have sufficient medicines stock, we must ensure buffer stock to tackle higher demand in the coming weeks.
IEC campaign has to be further ramped up. People have to be educated on the dangerous spread of the second wave and the need for active adherence to Covid protocols. The community, Mission Shakti group, PRI members should be actively involved in the process.
The enforcement activities have to be continued to be implemented strictly across the state.
With lockdowns in seriously affected states, the Collectors should be prepared for the return of the migrants. The protocols followed earlier should be reactivated by the Collectors immediately based on the existing database.
The quarantine norm and testing should be ensured for all the returnees from other states. Senior officers assigned as observers and other responsibilities to put their best effort like last year.
“I once again request the people of Odisha to please cooperate. We are facing grave danger and unless the people cooperate and act responsibly, it will be very difficult to tackle the situation. It is in the interest of the State and people that we should manage the COVID situation without “lockdown”, said the Odisha CM and added that wearing mask and maintaining social distance will help us in this.
Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra, Development Commissioner & SRC Pradeep Jena, ACS Health PK Mohapatra, and collectors were present in the review meeting. Secretary to CM & 5T V K Pandian coordinated the meeting.
