ITANAGAR, 14 May: The health minister Alo Libang has said that the department has recommended extension of containment (lockdown) in the Itanagar capital region (ICR). The ICR is in complete lockdown till May 17. Talking to the press here on Friday during a visit to Dedicated Covid Hospital (DCH) MLA Apartments, Libang said lockdown is helping to stop the spread of virus and also giving opportunity to make preparations for the coming days.
During the visit officials of DCH informed that the new oxygen plant will start functioning from Monday onwards. “A new oxygen plant with capacity to generate 500 litre per minute will start functioning at DCH from Monday onwards. The DCH will have 206 beds all with oxygen support in the coming days,” said the health minister.
Another Oxygen plant will also be installed in the campus as a standby and will connect to other blocks in the campus of DCH. Libang said.
The minister also expressed concern over the continued rise in the number of Covid 19 cases and deaths from it. “As the case is surging we are regularly evaluating preparedness to check if there is lacunae and shortfall so that preparation is full proof,” he said.
On the issue of availability of oxygen beds in the state, the minister said that considering the overall population of the state there should be at least 800 oxygen beds in the state.
“But right now the oxygen bed is less in number and therefore we are targeting 800 beds in a few months. Based on the population of the district the oxygen beds will be provided accordingly,” added Libang. Regarding the allegation that placement of 66 recently recruited doctors have not been processed by the health department, the minister claimed that already posting orders of all the new 66 doctors have been issued.
Ministers further appeal to all sections of society to remain isolated or indoor until there is urgency. Please help and cooperate with the administration, health and police department in the fight against the Covid pandemic.
Principal Secretary (Health) Sarat Chouhan, Secretary Health P Patibhan, Capital Deputy Commissioner Talo Potom, Capital SP Jimmy Chiram, TRIHMS Director Dr. Moji Jini, DCH Nodal Officer Dr. Tamar Paling and other senior officers of health department among others accompanied the inspection of DCH.
