[Watch] COVID-19: WODC Chairman Stresses On Increasing ICU Beds In Rourkela, Bargarh

Rourkela/Bargarh: Principal Advisor to Chief Minister and Chairman of Western Odisha Development Council (WODC) Asit Tripathy visited Rourkela and Bargarh on Sunday to review COVID-19 management.

Tripathy assessed the ground situation on enforcement of COVID  appropriate behaviour, and treatment of patients.

Tripathy visited Rourkela COIVD Hospital, Hi-Tech COVID Hospital and call centre where he reviewed the arrangements there.

Speaking to mediapersons, Tripathy said though the situation in the district during the second wave is worrisome, there are enough  number of hospitals and beds besides cylinders. He said there more than 700 oxygen supported beds and other infrastructure.

But, there is shortage of ICU beds in Rourkela COVID hospital for which he directed to take measures to enhance the number of beds. He also assured that two additional RTPCR machines would be supplied for early detection, isolation and treatment.

Tripathy said 90 ICU and 120 0xygen beds will be added to the district immediately. Rourkela Steel Plant in opening a 500-bed facility in a fertiliser plant, said the WODC Chairman and requested the private partners to help in arranging doctors too in the government’s fight against COVID.

He was accompanied by Mission Director, National Health Mission and Special Secretary Health, Shalini Pandit, Collector Nikhil Pavan Kalyan, ADM Rourkela, Commissioner RMC, CDMO Sundargarh, Director RGH, SP Rourkela and other senior officials.

After Rourkela, he paid a visit to hospital in Bargarh where he reviewed the COVID situation.

The infection rate is high, he said and added that the government is sending 150 cylinders of oxygen. Other equipment are also on the way to the district, he added.