SHILLONG, May 14: In a bid to fill the gaps in state’s COVID-19 management, Rotary Club of Shillong and 67 Battalion CRPF, in a twin initiative, have decided to donate oxygen concentrators, augment oxygen supply and create isolation centres in Shillong, all of which are in short supply.
The first of the oxygen concentrator was formally handed over by Health Minister, Alexander Laloo Hek, on Friday to the four-bedded hospital at the headquarter of the CRPF 67 battalion at Polo. The Club will shortly donate more such concentrators to other centres.
The Club is also assisting the government in setting up of the 20-bedded corona care centre at St Joseph’s Secondary School, Pynthorbah, and St George’s Secondary School, Nongmensong. The commandant of CRPF 67 battalion, Alok Bhattacharya, announced that his force would be donating 20 beds to the corona care centre at Pynthorbah and Nongmensong.
At a function held here, Hek lauded the initiative and informed that the Health department would be using these additional amenities which would be of great help to the people who do not have a space in their houses to isolate themselves after testing positive for COVID-19. He also appreciated the management of these two schools for granting permission to set up the corona care centres.
Commandant Bhattacharya said that CRPF was trying to augment its capability for being able to reach out to the people during the pandemic. Augmenting medical oxygen stock, which is a major requirement these days, was their immediate task. “Our personnel are almost cent per cent vaccinated. We have already been designated as a vaccination centre and will be vaccinating the people of the neighbourhood,” he said.
Rotary Club President, Arundhati Paul, said that they are also looking to tie up with the Indian Air Force so that more oxygen concentrators can be placed on their premises, which will be available to civilians and the public alike. She also informed that the Rotary Club, in a small way, is planning to set up some more corona care centres in town.
Later, Hek went on a physical verification of the proposed centres at Nongmensong and Arya Samaj School at Luckier Road in cantonment area.
