Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday directed the officials to ensure proper treatment to COVID-19 patients.
Presiding a high-level meeting via video conferencing, the chief minister directed the district observers to keep in regular touch with the frontline warriors to boost their morale, impart regular training and provide nutritious food to increase their immunity against the virus.
In view of the maximum spike in COVID-19 positive cases in Ganjam, Cuttack, Jajpur, Sundargarh and Khurda districts following arrival of the migrant Odias from the hotspot states, the chief minister directed the officials to strengthen monitoring of the situation.
For faster diagnosis and treatment of the patients, he emphasised on the recruitment of more laboratory technicians and deployment of more ambulance vans.
Besides, the chief minister directed the administration to ensure the last rites of the patients who die of COVID-19 with dignity.
Stating that around 7,000 samples are being tested per day in the state at present, Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy said it will be increased to 9000 in a week. Private hospitals will also be roped in for the test, he added.
Additional Chief Secretary, Health department said though there is adequate number of ICUs and beds at COVID hospitals in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar and Ganjam, steps have been taken to open 200 more ICUs and provide more beds in the three places in a week.
It may be mentioned that the state’s COVID-19 tally went up to 14,280 after 543 more persons tested positive for the coronavirus in the state on Tuesday.
