PANAJI
On the backdrop of the steep surge in Covid cases in the State, government disclosed its plans to install two Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) plants have received approval under the PM-Cares Fund.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant made the announcement during his public address on the occasion of his birthday.
CM Sawant dedicated the day towards Covid management and had a series of meetings with all sections of government officials and the private medical sector taking stock of Covid management in the state.
CM paid a visit to Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim with the primary intention of overseeing the management of oxygen supply and facilities.
“Two new liquid medical oxygen plants will now be set up; one at Sub District Hospital in Ponda and one at GMC under PM Cares Fund. We have ensured that there will not be shortage of medical oxygen in the State,” Sawant stated.
He further said that the date for commissioning the new superspecialty block in GMC complex, which will be used as a Covid Hospital, has been extended to May 15.
During the day, he also addressed a two-hour long video conference of all top officials of the Health Department and health officers in order to draw out a Covid action plan. It was learnt that the government is likely to ensure at least 2,000 Covid beds in the State to manage the daily spike in Covid cases.
Meanwhile, CM has made an earnest appeal to Goan public, especially to the youth, to remain indoors over the coming two months. “The government is making all the efforts to provide every facility for effective Covid management. But the second wave is likely to spike even stronger. Youth should not go partying or participate in tournaments at least for the coming two months,” he warned.
With an aim of vaccinating every eligible Goan, the government has decided to make the Covishield vaccine available free of cost to all persons above the age of 18 years from May 1 at government health centres to reduce mortality.
“We will order the doses from Serum Institute of India, Pune. I request beneficiaries to consult their physician before getting the jab,” Sawant said while laying heavy emphasis on early diagnosis and timely testing. He pointed out that on an average, around three to four patients each are brought dead at hospitals or expire within 24 hours of admission.
Late on Saturday evening, CM chaired a video conference of member doctors of the Indian Medical Association - Goa and government doctors as well as top officials of the Health Department to finalise a protocol of managing Covid patients in the State in light of the new strains of coronavirus.
Pending the setting up of a State-level helpline to provide details about bed and oxygen availability, the government has provided contact numbers for three Covid facilities. These include ESI Covid Hospital in Margao 0832-2703036, South Goa District Hospital in Margao 0832-2727300 and SDH, Ponda 7020973897.
