War against COVID19: Tripura Govt is set to start random community testing across the State. Govt mulling over providing incentives for doctors and health staff
Enewstime Desk
Agartala, April 16, 2020: Even as only two patients were tested positive – out of which one is already discharged from Hospital – for Covid19 in Tripura, the State Government has decided to launch community testing drive in different parts of Tripura. Meanwhile, State Government is also mulling over providing incentives to health professionals in view of their laudable effort in the battle against Covid19.
Education Minister Ratanlal Nath said this at a press conference in Civil Secretariat this evening.
He said, “The random community testing will start from April 21 next. Besides, the samples of 10 percent people residing within one km radius of the houses of both the COVID19 confirmed patients at Udaipur and Damcherra will also be tested on random basis.”
While acknowledging the dedicated services of the health professionals during ongoing COVID19 pandemic, Ratanlal Nath said, “the state government is contemplating a plan to provide incentive to the doctors and health staff as per their scale. A three-member committee has been formed for this purpose.”
Nath also said, a seven-member Technical Advisory Committee has been constituted for inquiring about the treatment related matters in districts through video conferencing. The committee would maintain regular contact with the doctors of various districts and pass necessary advice, he added.
Addressing the news conference, Ratanlal Nath also said the persons, who are suffering from influenza or breathing problem for last 10 days, would also be tested.
The Minister assured there is no shortage of any medical essentials including masks, kits and sanitizer in the state.
Giving details, Nath said, as many as 2,19,955 triple-layer masks, 7761 N-95 masks and 8,81,315 gloves and 6857 personal protection kits are available now. More 5000 masks and 1 lakh gloves are in transit.
In this context, he said the Centre has fixed the maximum price for selling masks and sanitizer— double-layer mask (Rs. 8), triple-layer mask (Rs. 10) and 500ml sanitizer (Rs. 250). The government would take action if any seller charges more than this, Nath told the media.
Meanwhile, the Education minister also spoke about the decisions taken by the cabinet today for providing reliefs to poor people in various sectors.
