Raipur, 05 August 2021. Governor and President of Indian Red Cross Society Chhattisgarh, Ms. Anusuiya Uikey donated 10-10 oxygen concentrator machines and 05-05 air purifier machines to nine tribal dominated districts of the state in a program organized at Raj Bhavan here today. The oxygen concentrator machine was provided by the Indian Red Cross Society to the Red Cross Society Chhattisgarh branch.
Governor Ms. Uike said that the Red Cross works by keeping the spirit of service paramount. During the second wave of Kovid-19, volunteers of Red Cross Society worked with dedication. He did the work of distributing masks and sanitizers, following social distancing and delivering ration from door to door during the lockdown, which is commendable. He said that due to proper coordination between Collectors, District Chief Medical and Health Officer and Red Cross in the districts, work can be done in a good manner for the betterment of health services in the district. He said that vaccination is the most important measure to protect against Kovid-19. There is still a need to bring awareness about vaccination in rural areas.
He said that the need of oxygen concentrator machine is more in primary health centers and community health centers in remote areas, as there is a shortage of resources and patients are not able to reach immediately for treatment due to being away from the capital. Air purifier is being provided by Raj Bhavan in tribal districts. It purifies the air by absorbing harmful substances from the air, which reduces the chances of spreading the infection. He suggested that these air purifiers should be installed in more crowded places like OPDs of hospitals. Governor said that in future large size air purifier machines would be supplied to these districts. He congratulated the former Secretary Shri Sonamani Bora for his new responsibilities and wished him a bright future.
Principal Secretary, Health Department, Shri Alok Shukla said that preparations are being made on a large scale to save the state from the third wave. All resources are being mobilized. He said that out of the 150 to 200 corona cases, some of them are from other states, which have come positive after testing at the airport or other places. They are being quarantined and treated.
The Chairman of Indian Red Cross Society Chhattisgarh, Shri Sonamani Bora said that after assuming the responsibility of Chairman from the year 2019, he did many works to protect against Kovid-19. The Collector in the district, who is the chairman of the Red Cross Committee, also discharged his role in arranging medicines and treatment. In the event of lockdown during the first wave, volunteers of Red Cross Society contributed in the work of food, medicine, funeral etc.
Secretary to the Governor, Shri Amrit Kumar Khalkho said that the Red Cross has worked proactively in the fight against COVID-19. He himself was helped by volunteers of the Red Cross while being positive during Bastar Divisional Commissioner. In the program, 10-10 oxygen concentrator machines and 05-05 air purifier machines were provided to Narayanpur, Surajpur, Sukma, Bijapur, Kondagaon, Kanker, Balrampur, Korea, Jashpur districts.
The program was also addressed by Deputy Secretary to Governor Shri Deepak Kumar Agrawal, Controller Shri Harvansh Miri and Dr. Shishir Sahu. On this occasion, the Legal Advisor to the Governor, Shri R.K. Agrawal, administrative officers of various districts, medical officers and officials of Red Cross were present.