Itanagar: Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday exhorted the people of Arunachal Pradesh to put in extra efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic in the state.
Arunachal Pradesh, at present, is coronavirus-free after the lone patient from Lohit district was discharged from hospital on April 17 after being cured.
But the state must be ready for any eventuality as the country has witnessed a surge in corona cases, Khandu said while chairing a review meeting at Tawang, his home district on COVID-19 preparedness.
“It is in such likelihood that the purpose of the preparedness level in the state should be on 100 per cent prevention on spread of COVID-19 infection as and when any positive cases arise. It will be a failure of the state government if the spread of the disease is not contained,” Khandu said during the meeting.
He said awareness must be generated to prevent the spread of panic and rumours if any positive case arises. He urged the use of Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaigns, use of all means of public communication to spread awareness so that any positively identified person is not ostracised.
Speaking on the initiatives of the state government in the health sector, Khandu said North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme and North East Council funds would be used cent per for upgrading the health sector.
He said that a long-term policy for robust infrastructure and facilities for all 25 district hospitals in the state has been rolled out with proposed allocation of Rs 350 crore while fifty per cent of MLA local area development fund could be used for fighting coronavirus.
Khandu said the state government has also launched its exercise to define its own zones, containment plan and standard operating procedures for COVID-19, which would be completed soon.
On reviving the state’s economy, the chief minister said priority would be given to agriculture and horticulture activities. “The government will provide farmers with fencing, seeds for agri and horti crops as well as provide support for marketing the farm produce,” Khandu said. (PTI)
