Amid the raging second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday sought directives from the Centre for free vaccine from the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation(ESIC) for all its registered beneficiaries in the age group of 18-45 years.

“Such an initiative would be a progressive step towards covering the industrial working class of the country, as part of the Government of India’s aim of vaccinating the adult population against Covid-19,” said the Chief Minister, in a letter to the Union Labour Minister Santosh Kumar Gangwar.

Given that the Government of India as well as State Governments are currently engaged in taking all possible steps to combat the prevailing grave situation, the Chief Minister said that he was confident that his suggestion would be considered favourably in the larger public interest.

Citing medical experts, the Chief Minister stressed that vaccination can go a long way in arresting the transmission of the virus and providing protection to the vaccinated persons. He pointed out that the as per GoI’s decision, while the Centre would provide vaccine to all persons in the age group of above 45 years, provision of vaccine for those in the age group of 18-45 years would have to be made by State Governments and private agencies.

PUNJAB STARTS DISTRIBUTING FOOD RATION BAGS TO COVID +VE UNDERPRIVILEGED FAMILIES

Punjab Government has started the distribution of food ration bags to underprivileged families who have tested positive for COVID-19.  Sharing the information on Twitter, the Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Thursday said that at present, around one lakh bags have been prepared for the purpose, and if needed, the Government will prepare more.  “We have started distribution of food ration bags containing 10-kilogram atta (flour), two-kilogram of sugar, and two-kilogram channa to underprivileged families who have tested COVID-19 positive. Right now, one lakh bags have been prepared and if needed we will prepare more. Take care of yourself and stay at home,” he tweeted.

OFFICIALS DIRECTED TO EXPEDITE LICENSING PROCESS OF CLOSED OXYGEN PLANTS

Punjab Government on Thursday directed the officials of the Industries and Commerce Department to identify the closed oxygen generated units and other medical supply units which don’t have the license to produce, and expedite their licensing process.

“The State Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure uninterrupted medical supplies especially medical oxygen and vaccines. I have already instructed the authorities to identify the industries that have the capacity to produce medical oxygen but don’t have the license to produce,” said the state Industries, and Commerce Minister Sunder Sham Arora, adding that the Government will act swiftly and issue the license as soon as possible.

The Minister added that the supply of oxygen to industries was stopped and now 98 percent oxygen is going towards the medical requirements.

Stressing on the need to make available adequate oxygen because of a high number of oxygen-dependent COVID-19 cases, the Minister urged the Centre to “ensure adequate supply from other states as we diagnose the patients of other states including Delhi and Himachal Pradesh”.

The Minister asserted that the Industries Department and various industry associations are also exploring ways to increase oxygen production.

Pertinently, Punjab has 15 Air Separation Units (ASUs) with a generation capacity of 60 to 65 tonnes per day and the average requirement before COVID was 50-60 tonnes per day, which has fetched up to 250 MT per day after the rapid spike in COVID cases and panic buying.