Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan held a discussion with the FICCI National Executive Committee through video conference today. He urged the committee to extend support in the availability of tankers, oxygen cylinders, ventilators and oxygen concentrators for transporting oxygen. He said that efforts are being made on a war footing at all levels of production and transport in the face of the challenge of availability of oxygen. Empty cylinders are being air lifted to reduce the transport time of oxygen supply.

Giving information about the status of Covid infection in the state, Chouhan said that the number of infected people has crossed 90,000. Efforts have been made to break the chain of infection to control the situation. The new concept of Janata curfew has been implemented with public support as a result of which, industries are being operated. Construction, development and transportation work is also in progress. Efforts are being made to ensure that economic activities are not affected.

These efforts have yielded meaningful results. He informed that in areas where the infection is high, infection control work is being done through micro containment. The number of beds in private and Government sector has been increased from 25,000 to 50,000 since April 1, for the treatment of the infected.

Chouhan informed that Covid Care Centers have been established as backups to hospitals. The health of those admitted at the centres is being monitored continuously through constant communication. He urged the FICCI members to provide oxygen for medical use at the local level by curbing the industrial requirements of oxygen. He also appealed for speedy supply of popular and new medicines.

Chouhan also urged to conduct research work on alternatives to Remdesivir. Suggestions were also invited for new experiments to increase the pace of work of setting up oxygen production plants in each district of the state. He assured the FICCI members of full cooperation by the government and said that all the arrangements related to work and payment are being made at a rapid pace. Industries should not have difficulty in operations. The Government has also set up a call center for immediate action on problems and needs. He said that the Government’s effort is to keep the economy moving while stopping the spread of infection.