100-Bed COVID Care Facility Gives Teeth To Fight Against Pandemic In Rourkela

Rourkela: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday dedicated a 100-bed COVID care facility at Rourkela Steel Plant.

The Ispat Nidaan Kendra will be upgraded to 500 beds in due course. It is equipped with the provision of gaseous oxygen directly from the oxygen unit of the steel plant. The facility was set up in record time.

“The facility will help in fighting the second wave of coronavirus in southern Rourkela region. The possible third wave could also be dealt with effectively,” said Dharmendra.

The Union Minister said the permanent facility could be helpful for treating non-COVID patients afterwards.

The Steel City had earlier got a 100-bed ICU  facility to fight coronavirus in the region. A virology laboratory was also set up for effective RT-PCR testing. The capacity has been enhanced from 60 to about 550 per day. It will be increased further to 1000 in a short period, sources said.

The Union Minister said SAIL is at the top as far as production of Liquid Medical Oxygen is concerned and supply as well.

Union Minister of State for Steel Faggan Singh Kulaste, Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das, Sundargarh MP Jual Oram and Chairperson and CEO of SAIL Soma Mondal and senior officers of the Ministry of Steel and SAIL also attended the virtual event.