Pradhan Urges Odisha CM To Form COVID Crisis Management Teams At Grassroots

Bhubaneswar: Next 15 days are crucial to contain and control the surge in COVID-19 cases, especially in Odisha, said Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Wednesday.

Speaking to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik over phone, Pradhan suggested setting up of COVID crisis management committees at the village and municipal ward level comprising members from all political parties.

Moreover, to bring the crisis under control, Pradhan urged Naveen to involve members of the civil society as volunteers and watchdogs to strengthen relief measures and containment efforts at the grassroots level.

The Union Minister said Naveen informed him about the need to enhance availability of vaccines in the state.

Pradhan assured all possible support to Odisha in its battle against the virus, including facilitating smooth supply of Covid-19 vaccine doses, rapid antigen testing kits, Remdesivir and other critical drugs.

Briefing Naveen about the current COVID situation, Pradhan said efforts being taken by the Centre would further bolster Odisha’s response to the current and challenges emerging due to the pandemic.

The Government of India is working with a ‘whole of government approach’ and is doing everything possible to respond and fight back better. By working together with synergistic efforts, both Odisha and India will combat and win this fight against the pandemic, Pradhan added.