Lieutenant Governor, R K Mathur convened a review meeting of Ladakh’s COVID preparedness on May 22.

Director Health, Dr. Phuntsog Angchuk gave LG Mathur a detailed account of the current number of COVID patients, their condition, and current bed occupancy and also apprised him about the available equipment and medicines. The department also informed about items being procured, including medicines, RT-PCR testing kits, oxygen cylinders etc.

L-G Mathur directed the department to complete stocking of COVID essentials for the next 04 months on an urgent basis to avoid any shortages in the months to come. He also stressed intensifying testing across villages to control the spread of the virus.  

Discussing the status of the upcoming oxygen plants at Zanskar, Drass and Nubra under PM Care with 100 litres per minute capacity, Principal Secretary Dr. Pawan Kotwal apprised LG Mathur that the plants will be set up by next month, while an additional proposal for installation of 1000 litre oxygen plants, one each at Leh and Kargil has already been submitted to the Health Ministry.

The meeting also held deliberations upon preparing for the third wave of the ongoing pandemic. LG Mathur directed the department to begin infrastructural development and strengthening of the pediatric section, development of more ICU beds equipped with oxygen supply, manpower, oxygen plants etc. 

Talking about the prevailing shortage of paediatricians and anaesthetists, LG Mathur stated that it must be solved with the help of immediate advertisements for recruitment while providing training to general doctors by present paediatricians and anaesthetists will prove helpful in times of urgent need.

LG Mathur also directed the department to build up medicine stock for black fungus for an immediate emergency, while also ensuring close monitoring of patients with high sugar levels.

Taking into account the detection of positive cases while intensifying tests across villages, LG Mathur instructed to ensure that identified health facilities in rural areas may be equipped with basic facilities such as medicines, oxy-meters etc. He also appealed to all to follow guidelines relating to funerals, marriages, other social functions etc. 

He requested all stakeholders to assist and undertake extensive publicity to promote adherence to guidelines.

LG Mathur also took stock of the situation of migrant labourers and instructed both the DCs to ensure their welfare.