Fight Against COVID-19: Odisha Seeks More Funds, 5 Lakh PPE For Safety Of Healthcare Workers

Jharsuguda: The Odisha government on Friday urged the Union government to release more funds for tackling the coronavirus pandemic.

The Centre has so far approved Rs 46.35 crore for the purpose.

During a high-level meeting held through video conferencing here, Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Kishore Das requested Union Health Minister Dr. Harsh Vardhan for 5 lakh personal protective equipment (PPE), Hydroxychloroquine, Vitamin-C tablets, N-95 masks and sanitizers for safety of the frontline healthcare workers engaged in treatment of COVID-19 patients in Odisha.

Seeking more COVID-19 RT-PCR testing kits, Das also sought permission for setting up testing facilities at state-run medical institutions, including VIMSAR in Burla, Bhima Bhoi Medical College and Hospital in Balangir and SLN Medical College & Hospital in Koraput.