150 AgVa ICU ventilators sent by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare for use in tackling COVID-19 pandemic have arrived in Imphal. The life-saving equipment was formally received by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh in a simple function held at the Durbar Hall of Chief Minister’s Secretariat on Thursday. The ventilators were provided under Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM-CARE Fund).
Speaking at the occasion, the Chief Minister said that these ventilators can be functional both invasive and non-invasive with inbuilt battery backup of two hours. The Chief Minister said that 90 such ventilators provided earlier by the Centre are also currently functional in JNIMS.
Apart from it, the Central Government had also provided 400 oxygen concentrators and 500 D-Type oxygen cylinders, he said and added that the State now has around 3000 D-Type cylinders. N. Biren Singh further added that the State had also received two RT-CPR machines from UNICEF, and one each had been given to JNIMS and RIMS.
In order to have adequate oxygen supply, the Chief Minister disclosed, oxygen generating plants would be opened in Thoubal and Churachandpur districts within 10-15 days, he informed. Stating that prevention is the only means to get rid of this dreaded pandemic, the Chief Minister said that the State Government had started taking greater penalties against SoP violators.
Stating that people should follow SoPs strictly in every occasion including pilgrimage and religious ceremonies, the Chief Minister said that all the violators including hosts would be arrested. He also said that the State Government would welcome suggestions and opinions from the public regarding effective tackling of the pandemic. Advisor to Chief Minister (Health) Dr. S. Ranjan, Additional Chief Secretary M.H. Khan and Director (Health) Dr. K. Rajo were also present at the occasion.
NNN