Over 8000 doctors engaged in Odisha in battle against COVID-19

Bhubaneswar: As many as 8,263 doctors are engaged in various hospitals in battle against novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Odisha, said a report by State Health and Family Welfare Department.

As per the status report on COVID-19 submitted to Orissa High Court, total 7,253 Odisha Medical and Health Services(OMHS) Cadre doctors, 1,010 Odisha Medical Education Service Cadre doctors are working for the patients with suspected or confirmed 2019-nCoV infection in the state.

Besides, 7,015 staff nurses, 2,680 pharmacists, 1,397 laboratory technicians, 342 radiographers, 4,333 Multi Purpose Health Workers (male) and 10,323 women health workers are engaged under Odisha Health and Family Welfare Department to fight the deadly virus in the state.

As per the guidelines by Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the state government has taken initiative to provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the doctors and healthcare workers for their safety. In this regard, Odisha State Medical Corporation(OSMC) has ordered various organisations to supply 10.20 lakh PPE.

In the status report, the State Health and Family Welfare Department said that total 908 PPE kits have been provided to the medical practitioners in first week of March, 441 PPE in second week, 352 in third week and 1236 in fourth week of March.

As on April 5, 3,228 PPE kits, 83,129 N-95 masks, 64,23,824 triple layer masks, 79,21,183 surgery gloves and 1.55 lakh hand sanitisers are in stock for use.

Last month, total 1,08,497 triple layer face masks have been provided in first week, 33,278 in second week, 1,09,815 in third week and 3,19,105 in fourth week. Similarly, 10,453 N-95 masks have been provided in first week, 18,898 in second week, 11,985 in third week and 30,881 in fourth week.