Odisha CM Stresses on Scaling up Testing Facility

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today reviewed the management of COVID-19 situation in the State with Chief Secretary and senior officials through Video Conference from his residence. Health Minister Naba Das also joined the meeting through VC from Jharsuguda.

Appreciating the efforts taken by Team Odisha Covid-19, the CM emphasized on scaling up of testing facilities across the state. As of now, testing facilities are available at RMRC, AIIMS, both at Bhubaneswar and SCB at Cuttack.

The CM directed to expedite the process of developing testing facilities at MKCG Berhampur and VIMSAR Burla.

All these facilities have limited testing capacities. In order to further improve testing capacity, the CM directed for provisions of testing for at least one thousand tests per day by 10h of April.
To make the medical team appropriately equipped for fighting the Covid menace effectively, the CM underlined the need for availability of sufficient number of Personal Protective Equipments (PPEs), and other medical equipment for medical professionals.

The CM also reviewed the opening of new Covid hospitals in different parts of the state and asked officials to develop capacity for at least 3000 beds by 15h of this month in the state.

The meeting was attended by Chief Advisor to CMO, Chief Secretary, Development Commissioner, DGP and other senior officers.