PunjabChief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday urged the Centre to send immediatesupplies of vaccines and also give quick approval for two new oxygen plants inthe state amid concerns over depleting stocks of both.
Onthe availability of vaccines, Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan told the ChiefMinister that the situation was critical, with only three days of stocks left,but the Central government has assured that more would be coming soon.
MedicalEducation Minister O.P. Soni cited shortage of oxygen supply in Amritsarhospital, while the Chief Secretary said though Indian Oil Ltd (OIL) wasproviding the state with supplies, the situation was a matter of concern.
Aclose watch was being kept on the demand-supply situation at both governmentand private hospitals, she said.
Acommittee has been formed by the state government, under the PrincipalSecretary Industries, to monitor the situation and coordinate with the centrein this regard, said Mahajan.
HealthSecretary Hussan Lal said three plants had been operationalised since the lastsurge, and two plants at Medical Colleges in Amritsar and Patiala were awaitingthe Centre's approval. While there was a shortage currently, supplies werebeing diverted from one district to another to meet the requirements.
Themeeting was informed that vaccination appeared to be having a positive effectin the police department, with only one vaccinated personnel testing positivein the past 24 hours, and a total of only 397 positive cases among those whohave been immunised.
TheChief Minister directed all departments to make all efforts to maximisevaccination among the eligible population. He also urged large industries totake responsibility for getting their employees vaccinated.