LP Schools to remain shut in Cachar; Himanta Biswa Sarma says "No shortage of Remdesevir, Oxygen"

Minister of Health, Himanta Biswa Sarma held a press conference earlier today at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. He said that he has had a word with the Secondary Education Board of Assam and asked them to do a parent-teacher discussion to understand the pros and cons of postponement of the examination.

“While the model code of conduct is going on, I don’t think it is fair for us to take major decisions. So, once the new government is formed, the decision will be taken based on the recommendation submitted by the SEBA, AHSEC,” said Himanta Biswa Sarma.

About the current COVID situation, Sarma said that the deputy commissioners of the districts with more than 100 active cases need to shut the elementary schools with immediate effect. “We all know that the new government will be sworn in soon and therefore, I leave it to the deputy commissioners to take the decisions. They need not wait for a letter from the ministry. Whenever there are more than 100 active cases in a district the DCs can themselves order the closure of elementary schools in their jurisdiction,” asserted Sarma.

Nationally there is a crisis of medical oxygen cylinders and remdesivir injections. Sarma said, Assam has adequate stock of both and there is no need for the residents to worry. He asserted, while the daily requirement of Oxygen is approximately 40 metric ton Assam has more than 200 metric ton in-store and therefore at this moment there is no shortage.

About Remdesivir Injections, Sarma said Assam has more than 12,000 vials available and about 10,000 vials are on the way and will be available in April. With 22,000 vials of Remdesivir, Assam is prepared to administer a dose in the first five days to each patient this month. For May, Sarma said, the state has ordered one lakh vials and those will be delivered in several consignments.

Sarma also announced that Remdesivir will be chargeable for patients falling into the category of Above Poverty Line. The ones with the Below Poverty Line card, Ration Card, will get the doses for free. In case, a patient does not have the card but is poor, he or she can request to the Principal and if the Principal recommends, the doses will be made available for free.

“Remdesivir injections are available for Rs 4000 in the market. However, in the government medical colleges and health centres the doses will be available for Rs 1,650,” informed Sarma.

Himanta Biswa Sarma clarified that in Assam, the new COVID cases are caused by the UK variant of the Coronavirus and not the double mutant. “The UK variant spreads faster and so, I request everyone to remain cautious and no get in close contact with people traveling from outside Assam. The virus is coming from outside the state with travelers,” concluded Sarma.