Amidst violation of COVID-19 protocols, the all party meeting jointly chaired by Governor Anusuiya Uikey and Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel zeroed in on increasing testing of people, particularly those coming from neighbouring Maharashtra by road. It also focused on establishment of quarantine centres and increased public awareness towards compliance of COVID Appropriate Behaviors. However, the all party meeting which was called for discussing measures for prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic, saw blatant violation of COVID-19 protocols. The virtual meeting which was earlier scheduled to be held through Zoom App, but citing technical reasons, the opposition leaders from different political parties were called to Zila Panchayat auditorium at the Raipur Collectorate. In the conference hall of Zila Panchayat, over 60 persons were made to sit, including representatives from political parties as well as representatives from social organisations.

 

 

 

There was only one bottle of sanitiser among these people. The Governor and the Chief Minister interacted with the opposition party representatives through video conferencing, while the CPCC President Mohan Markam attended the meeting from NIC centre in Kondagaon. There was resentment among the representatives of political parties which they expressed. Addressing the meeting Governor Anusuiya Uikey said public representatives can play a significant role in raising public awareness and she urged them to send their representatives to villages for raising awareness among rural folks regarding control and prevention of COVID-19 pandemic. She also emphasised on conducting proper tracing and testing of people entering from other states, particularly those people entering Chhattisgarh from Maharashtra borders. She said testing facilities and quarantine centers should be established in all entry points. She also emphasised on judicious use of Remdesivir injections. She said it is not possible for the state government to fight against COVID-19 pandemic without cooperation and assistance from all sectors. She said it is our collective responsibility to play our role in fighting against this pandemic.

 

The Governor called upon political parties to work along with the state government towards extending relief and food to the needy. She said the political parties should come forward cutting across party lines for saving precious human lives. Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said that the State Government is carrying out all possible efforts towards control and prevention of COVID-19 pandemic. He appealed to all party representatives to make aware people to get tested in case they see symptoms and till the reports are received they should self-isolate themselves. He also appealed to them to spread awareness regarding compliance of COVID-19 protocols and COVID Appropriate Behavior. He said that government hospitals are carrying out free treatment to COVID-19 patients. In order to put minimum economic burden on people who’re getting treatment through Ayushman Yojna and Dr Khubchand Baghel Scheme, the testing and treatment charges in private hospitals have been capped. There is no dearth of oxygen in State.

 

The State is doing better than the national average both in testing and in inoculation drive. He said a special campaign will be initiated towards testing and treatment in bordering areas of the state. He gave detailed information about the testing laboratories and availability of ventilators in State. He also informed about the measures taken towards ensuring availability of Remdesivir injection and other life saving drugs. During the meeting the opposition representatives raised questions on the absence of Health and Family Welfare Minister T S Singhdeo from the meeting. BJP leader Shivratan Sharma said at this time of crisis a message should be given that the government is fighting unitedly against this pandemic which is not happening. To communicate his views, the Health Minister has to write letters to the Chief Minister. Instead of writing if dialogues are held it would be more useful, he added. The BJP leaders suggested increasing the number of beds for which the government can acquire all government colleges and schools. JCC(J) President Amit Jogi focused on vaccination drive and lowering its age-limits to 18 years apart from increasing testing facilities. Other party representatives focused on increasing availability of oxygen facilities. CPCC President Mohan Markam said his party has established a control room and assisting patients.