Balangir: Balangir district received some support in its fight against COVID-19 pandemic. Dr Chittaranjan Joshi, who hails from Balangir, and is settled in Australia donated 15 oxygen concentrators to the district headquarters hospital (DHH).
Moved by the news of peoples struggle for oxygen and rising cases in the district, the non-resident Odia (NRO) doctor coordinated with his friends in the town and arranged the oxygen concentrators. The market value of these concentrators is around Rs 10.5 lakh.
Born in Talpalipada. Dr Joshi pursued MBBS from VIMSAR, Burla and MS from AIIMS, New Delhi. He later moved to Australia where he is a citizen now.
“It is a welcome step and we thank him for this noble gesture. The oxygen concentrators can be used in our hospital and many patients will be benefited from it,” said Chief District Medical Officer (CDMO) Bhima Sahu.
“The District Administration of Balangir is thankful to Dr. Chittaranjan Joshi and his team for providing 15 oxygen concentrators to DHH Balangir from Australia. This will strengthen our efforts in covid management,” tweeted Balangir Collector Chanchal Rana.
The district, which had witnessed a surge in cases during the second wave, saw a decline in the positive cases with 77 cases reported in the last 24 hours.