Governor presents oxygen concentrator and pulse oximeters to Health Department
Governor Bandaru Dattatraya, who is also the Chairman of Himachal Pradesh State Red Cross Society, today provided 46 Oxygen Concentrators to the Health and Family Welfare Department and 950 pulse oximeters to various districts through Red Cross at Raj Bhavan.
The Governor presented 40 Oxygen Concentrators of 5L and 6 Oxygen Concentrators of 8 L to Secretary, Health Amitabh Awasthi in the presence of Dr. Sadhana Thakur, Chairperson State Red Cross Society, Hospital Welfare Section. He also provided 200 oximeters to Deputy Commissioner Shimla Aditya Negi. Apart from this, 200 Oximeters each were provided to district Una and Sirmaur, 100 to Chamba and 50 oximeters each were provided to Kinnaur, Lahul-Spiti, Solan, Kullu and Hamirpur district. Earlier, 250 pulse oximeters have been given to Kangra and Mandi districts respectively through State Red Cross Society.
On this occasion, the Governor stressed the need for increasing the number of Covid tests on daily basis by the department. He said that isolation centers should be established at the village level also. Rural families, who do not have separate facilities for isolation of Corona patients, would be benefitted from setting up these centers.
Secretary to the Governor Rakesh Kanwar and Deputy Director Health Dr. Ramesh Chand were also present on the occasion.
Chief Minister interacts with officers of ITBP, Dogra Scouts and Bihar Regiment
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while interacting with the officers of Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Dogra Scouts and 15th Bihar Regiment at Army Helipad Samdo in Lahaul-Spiti district today appreciated the role of army personnel in protecting the frontiers of the Nation.
Jai Ram Thakur said that it was due to their commitment and efficient duty despite difficult topography and harsh climatic conditions that we were safe and able to live without any fear. He said that the services being provided by the Army personnel were source of inspiration to all.
Chief Minister said that Spiti valley has achieved 100 percent target in vaccination of people of above 45 years for which the district administration and health department deserves appreciation. He said that the highest Village connected with motorable road in the world, Komik has achieved cent percent target in vaccinating people above 18 years which was matter of pride for not only the people of this landlocked district but also for the State as a whole.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the State has participated in the National Ice Hockey Championship for the first time and has won bronze medal in this event. He said that Dogra Scouts have also participated in this event and secured fifth position.
Chief Minister said that he would soon visit Spiti valley as soon as situation becomes normal from Corona virus.
Tribal Development Minister Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Sector Commander Brig. Prag Nangagre, Commanding Officer Dogra Scouts Nitin Mittal, Colonel of 15th Bihar Regiment Pranav Awasthi and other officers were also present on the occasion.
State Government committed for welfare and development of tribal areas: Chief Minister
Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while interacting with media at Reckong Peo in Kinnaur district today said that State Government was committed for welfare and development of tribal areas and has considerably enhanced the budget under Tribal Sub Plan.
Chief Minister said that the Government was ensuring that pace of development goes uninterrupted even during the Covid-19 pandemic. He said that the State Government has decided to give certain relaxation from 31st May, 2021 by allowing shops and other business establishments to remain open for five hours from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm for five days a week. He said that Government offices would also function with 30 percent attendance. He expressed satisfaction that the number of Covid cases have been brought down from 40, 000 to 18000, but the increase in number of Covid deaths was still a matter of concern.
Jai Ram Thakur said the State Government has strived hard for capacity enhancement. He said that the bed capacity in the State had been increased from existing 1200 to about 5000 beds. He said that similarly the State had increased the storage capacity of oxygen by 25 MT. He said that on the demand of State Government, the Central Government has enhanced quota of oxygen from 15 MT to 40 MT.
Chief Minister said that with the liberal assistance from the Centre, today the State had about 6300 D-Type and 2250 B Type oxygen cylinders. He said that over 1700 oxygen concentrators have been made available in the health institutions. He said that all the medical colleges have PSA Oxygen Plants. He said that seven PSA Plants have started functioning in the State whereas two additional PSA plants would be made functional very soon. He said that about a year ago the State had only 50 functional ventilators which have been increased to about 700 ventilators.
Tribal Development Minister Dr. Ram Lal Markanda, Vice Chairman, Himachal Pradesh State Forest Development Corporation Surat Negi, Chairman Zila Parishad Nihal Singh, Director General of Police Sanjay Kundu, Deputy Commissioner Kinnaur Hemraj Bairwa, SP R.S. Rana, Commandant ITBP Devender Kumar and other officers were also present on the occasion.