Bhubaneswar: In order to strengthen Odisha’s fight against COVID-19 further, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday announced to enhance retirement age of Medical Officers of OHMS cadre and Allopathic Insurance Medical Officers under the Labour and ESI Department from 62 years to 65 years in the State.
The Chief Minister was reviewing the Coronavirus situation in Cuttack and Khurda districts today through video conferencing while he made the announcement.
Patnaik also sanctioned Rs 30 crore to the two districts – Rs 15 crore each – to fight the virus.
“In Cuttack district, 925 additional beds in Covid hospitals and Covid Care Centres are being established and Rs 15 crore has been sanctioned to fight the pandemic. There will be special focus on the congested areas of the city through active involvement of Puja and Sahi Commitees,” said Patnaik.
The Molecular Genome Lab in SCB Medical College and Hospital, Cuttack will be upgraded for viral and human host genome sequencing for prognosis of COVID-19 patients and a training and info centre to will be operational at the hospital soon, said the Chief Minister.
Patnaik further announced that a dedicated COVID Hospital in Nilanchal Hospital in Bhubaneswar with 126 beds and 15 ICUs will be operational this week.
The Chief Minister appealed communities and corporates to join in the fight against COVID-19.
Health and Family Welfare Minister Naba Kishore Das, Panchayati Raj Minister Pratap Jena and Food Supplies and Consumer Welfare Minister Ranendra Pratap Swain attended the meeting.
