Odisha forms high-powered advisory committee to tackle possible waves of Covid

Bhubaneswar: Amid the raging second wave of Covid-19 pandemic, the Odisha government formed an advisory committee comprising of eminent scientists and doctors to suggest the government on measures tackling possible waves of coronavirus disease.

Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra today informed the government has constituted the high-powered advisory committee under chairmanship of Dr Srinath Reddy. Some of the other members of the committee are Dr Devi Shetty and Dr Ramakanta Panda. The DMET, Odisha is the convener of the committee, Mahapatra added.

The Chief Secretary further stated the advisory committee will suggest measures on universal vaccination as well.

As reports are coming in suggesting that possible third wave of the Covid pandemic will affect youngsters especially children, the high-powered advisory committee will advice the government on ramping up hospital and infrastructure for them, Mahapatra added.

He added acting as per the decision of the State Cabinet, the Odisha State Medical Corporation Ltd on behalf of the Health and Family Welfare Department floated a global tender for procurement of Covid vaccines. A total of 3.8 crore vaccines will be purchases through the global tender.

The Chief Secretary further informed the pre-bid discussion will be held on May 19 and the interested companies can participate in the bidding process by May 28. The bid winner will supply the Covid vaccines in four months.

The test positivity rate in 10 districts of the State is stagnant or declining, he added.

He also said there are around 15,000 Covid patients admitted in the government Covid hospitals in the State. Of them 3,000 are in ICU and ventilator, the Chief Secretary added.

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