Imphal, May 12 2010: Ministers and top State Government officials in a meeting held today have reportedly taken serious note of the fast depleting stock of life saving drugs and other pharmaceutical items.

A special meeting convened today and presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh is informed to have emphasised on transportation of medicines through the air for which cargo flight service agencies had been intimated, said an informed source adding that the meeting was attended by the Health Minister, Chief Secretary, Commissioner (Health) and other Ministers and top officials of the State Government.

Taking serious note of low stock of even (medical) oxygen at the hospitals, including RIMS, apart from other medicines, the meeting stressed on the need for airlifting the same.

The source also confided that cargo service providers/agencies have conveyed willingness to transport drug consignments even as the meeting noted that existing life saving drugs stock would last four about 15 days.

Another source also disclosed that the Chief Minister has convened a special meeting tomorrow where the focus would be on transportation of goods through the Imphal-Jiribam route of National Highway 53 .

It is said that top officials of the Army, Assam Rifles and State forces would attend the meeting.

A previous arrangement to escort heavy vehicles today along NH-53 to bring back essential goods from Jiribam and Assam State areas was dropped even as several empty vehicles are lined up at Langjing area.

Our Jiribam correspondent has reported that about 40 loaded trucks bound for Imphal and Tamenglong are currently staying put at Jiribam and Assam's Jirighat till this evening while about 500 passengers are stuck on the same route.

It is also informed that about 15 vehicles including trucks, Tata sumos and Winger passenger carriers are stranded at Awang Khul.