Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, RK Mathur convened a meeting with Principal Secretary Health, Dr Pawan Kotwal, and Director Health Services, Dr Motup Dorje on January 10 and reviewed the COVID-19 preparedness given the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in the region.

To ensure uninterrupted Covid-19 related supplies, Lt Governor Mathur directed to stock supplies for three months.  He also appealed to the public to ensure that Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) is strictly followed because of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in Ladakh.

Director, Health Services, Dr Motup informed Lt Governor Mathur that the Health Department has started giving precautionary (booster) doses to healthcare and frontline workers and people above 60 years of age in UT Ladakh from January 10. He further apprised that more than 60 percent of the 15-18 age group has been vaccinated with the first Covid-19 jab.

Lt Governor Mathur directed Director Health Services to intensify the vaccination drive and take help from the Panchayats to mobilise those in the 15-18 age group to get Covid-19 jab. The panchayats would issue a completion certificate countersigned by the respective Block Level Officer (BLO) once the Covid-19 vaccination drive is completed. Principal Secretary Health was asked to direct the Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to intensify the Covid-19 publicity drive in Leh and Kargil districts. He further directed the Covid-19 regulatory mechanism to be strengthened. 

While discussing the health infrastructure in Ladakh, Lt Governor Mathur directed the officials to procure and airlift DG sets to ensure the uninterrupted operation of all oxygen plants. He further directed Principal Secretary health and Director Health Services to expedite the purchase of the Genome Sequencing Machine, develop a state-of-the-art Skill and Simulation Training Centre at both the District Hospitals in Leh and Kargil, expedite the installation of 500 LPM oxygen plant each at Old Hospital in Kargil and Sankoo, expedite the purchase of CB-NAAT Covid-19 testing equipment at all the Community Health Centres (CHCs), airlift the DRDO oxygen plant compressors from Chandigarh at the earliest, ensure space heating and running water up to the Primary Health Centre level in Ladakh and arrange Covid-specific training for physiotherapists from Ladakh at AIIMS Delhi.

Lt Governor Mathur further directed to ensure that all the bedded health centres in Ladakh should have a running water supply under the Jal Jeevan Mission scheme. He also directed that 5% of the budget of the UT Administration be allocated to the health sector from the next financial year. He stressed the need to strictly monitor arrivals at the KBR Airport given the surge in Covid-19 cases in Ladakh. Also, he was informed about the UT Administration’s plan to purchase 1000 D type oxygen cylinders to provide oxygen supply to the needy.

Lt Governor Mathur appreciated all the frontline workers and medical personnel for performing their duties with sincerity despite the extreme cold. He expressed confidence in the medical personnel and other arrangements to handle the ongoing third wave.