As the Covid-19 pandemic nears its peak, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik is not only marshalling his resources admirably to combat the threat, he has also taken a slew of important decisions in the past few days to rule out the possibility of any further escalation of the crisis. Like a seasoned leader, he has decided to float a global tender for procurement of vaccines to overcome its shortage which is impeding the government’s vaccination drive. Instead of depending on the Centre or the indigenous manufacturers of vaccines for supply, he has chosen to have more options which will facilitate a seamless drive to inoculate the entire population of the state.
As the state cabinet’s resolution in this regard pointed out, the procurement of more vaccines will not only cover the most vulnerable sections of the population and save lives, but it will also restore livelihoods. There is no denying that quick vaccination is the need of the hour and the government has already set about the task of procuring vaccines from across the globe by constituting two committees for the purpose. The state has also urged the Centre to exempt vaccines from all tax liabilities to reduce the burden on its finances.
Another equally important decision was to sanction Rs 20 crore for setting up 16 RT-PCR testing centres in districts. Ramping up testing facilities had become imperative in view of the spread of the virus and consistent rise in cases. The government wants to ensure that no one with any symptoms of Covid-19 should go untested. The new centres will be set up at the headquarters of Bhadrak, Boudh, Dhenkanal, Gajapati, Khordha, Jagatsinghpur, Jajpur, Kendrapara, Nabarangapur, Malkangiri, Nuapada, Subarnapur, Kandhamal, Sundargarh, Rayagada and Bargarh districts. One micro-biologist and three laboratory technicians will be deployed at each of these centres.
Significantly, the Chief Minister recently directed officials to keep a close watch on private hospitals treating Covid patients and ensure that they charge them only in tune with the rates fixed by the government. He warned that strong action will be taken against hospitals found overcharging and indulging in unethical practices like profiteering. The directive of the Chief Minister apparently follows complaints about hospitals overcharging and refusing to take in poor patients. Considering that this is an extraordinary situation, the hospitals must change their attitude and do their best to help the suffering people.
Patnaik has also asked officials to ensure that the helplines in Covid hospitals remain active and effective and relatives of patients are kept posted about their health condition. The five-time Chief Minister, who has always laid extra emphasis on protecting the health of his people, has issued express instructions that foolproof arrangements for the supply of medical oxygen should be made as it is of vital importance in the treatment of Covid patients. Officials will be monitoring its supply on a 24×7 basis. The Chief Minister not only deserves praise for what he is doing, he also deserves our full cooperation to win this war against the pandemic.
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