Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma visited Jaintia Hills today to get an understanding of the current Covid-19 status in the two districts.
While the 150 litres per minute (LPM) oxygen plant in Jowai will be up and running by this week, the 300 LPM plant in Khliehriat will begin functioning in the next 10 days, Sangma informed. He also said that additional health infrastructure and testing facilities “are being worked on” to aid the coronavirus management efforts.
As part of the trip, the CM visited the Maternity and Child Health Hospital in Jowai where the 150 LPM plant is being set up. The oxygen plant here is being funded by the United Nations Development Programme.
In his meeting with MLAs and officials, Sangma stressed on the need for both district administrations to ensure that there is no delay in e-passes for vehicles that transport agricultural produce. “Vaccination for truck drivers and drivers in general must also be targeted,” he said.
West Jaintia Hills has seen nearly 2,000 new Covid-19 cases and East Jaintia Hills nearly 1,000 since April 1.
“There is a clear indication and correlation between vaccination and deaths because of Covid, in West Jaintia Hills especially,” the Chief Minister said. “Impressed on the Health Department to ensure an intensive vaccination drive is followed through especially for vulnerable groups.”
