Rs 35 lakh award for JN hospital team for successfully treating COVID-19 patient
Let's fight and win collectively against COVID-19: CM
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, April 09 2020: Chief Minister N Biren has appealed to all the people of the State to fight collectively and win the war against coronavirus.

Seeking support and cooperation of the people, the Chief Minister, in a video message, said that saving lives of people is the top-priority of the Government at this hour of pandemic.

The Government is fully prepared to fight the coronavirus, he added.

He maintained that the Government has enough stock of medical equipment such as PPEs, 3-layer masks, N-95 masks, hand sanitizers, hand gloves, non-contact thermometers, sodium hypochlorite etc.

Considering the current situation in the country, the Chief Minister hinted that the ongoing Nationwide lockdown may be extended for some days to check the spread of COVID-19.He opined that as the disease is highly contagious, every one must take utmost precautionary measures to stop further spread of the disease.

Till now, the State has received four consignments of medical equipment and essential medicines from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare under the supervision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, he added.

Acknowledging the talents and potential of the doctors, nurses and paramedical staff of the State, the Chief Minister appreciated the team of JNIMS who have treated the first COVID-19 patient of the State successfully.

He expressed gratitude to the team for their tireless work and announced that the Government would give a cash reward of Rs 35 lakh to the team.

He thanked Dr Uthan and Dr Manojkumar who volunteered and led the team in treating the patient at JNIMS.

The Chief Minister also stated that the Government is actively considering cash incentives or awards to those who are working at the frontline.

Clarifying about the proposed construction of a quarantine centre at Langthabal, he stated that the Government had called off the construction as many clubs and individuals raised objections.

He, nonetheless, assured that the Government is committed to construct a dedicated quarantine centre at a site free of disputes.

Stating some of the recent measures taken up by the Government, he mentioned that the State Cabinet has decided that up to Rs 25 lakh can be used in each Assembly Constituency from MLADF for COVID-19 related expenses as one time measure for supply of essential commodities, protective gear like mask, sanitizers, drinking water etc.

Under the fair price shop system, 2-3 shops in each district will be identified for district level supply of PDS rice, he added.

The Chief Minister informed that ex-gratia for around 62,000 beneficiaries under Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme, Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme amounting to around Rs 310 lakh has been released.

Manipur Old Age Pension Scheme for 12 months amounting to around Rs 11 crore and Manipur Old Age Pension selected through 'Go to Village' amounting to around Rs 2.5 crore will be released soon.

CMST scholarship for 110 students with disability for a duration of one year will be released.

CMST- care giver allowance to 4,879 persons with disability amounting to Rs 5.85 crore has been released, he said Biren also appealed to the people to stop posting any message or videos on social media which can incite communal tension in the State at this hour of grief.

The Chief Minister also informed that the Centre has given its nod to setting up of a State Medical College at Churachandpur.

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