Punjab COVID-19
Punjab CM sanctions Rs 380 cr to tackle possible third wave of Covid-19
Chandigarh/UNI: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Friday approved Rs 380 crore to be spent by the Health and Medical Education departments in preparing for a possible third wave of the Covid pandemic.
At a virtual review meeting of the covid situation in the state, the Chief Minister also gave go ahead for filling up of 674 GDMO, 283 MO (Specialists); 2000 Staff Nurses posts, along with 330 faculty posts in Patiala and Amritsar Medical Colleges.
He also asked the departments to bring the proposal for any additional posts needed to the Cabinet to ensure that all vacant posts are filled at the earliest.
The Rs 380 crore amount approved by the Chief Minister shall be spent on PSA oxygen plants, MGPS Load enhancement and package substations, cryogenic liquid medical oxygen tanks, as well as BLS Ambulances amongst others.
The Chief Minister made it clear that funds will continue to be made available even in the future, as per requirement.
Preparations were being made for 25 per cent more patients than in the second wave, he added.
He directed the departments to ensure testing at minimum 40000 a day, with smart testing to ensure timely information on any upsurge.
Appreciating the detailed Surveillance strategy prepared by the Health and Medical Education departments, in consultation with experts, for prevention and containment of the third wave, the Chief Minister said GIS based surveillance and prevention tools will be used with an auto trigger mechanism for localised restrictions in the first instance.
Regional or statewide restrictions will be unveiled in the second instance if the need arises, he said, adding that districts will be categorised, on the basis of risk levels, into three categories, enabling them to implement restrictions for containment on scientific basis.
Capt Amarinder directed that data cells in each district be activated for collection and analysis of data.
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