SRINAGAR, MAY 19 (KNS): Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan, today had a detailed meeting with various stakeholders to review the management of Covid-19 in Jammu and Kashmir at SKICC here.

The meeting was attended by Secretary Tourism, Director SKIMS, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Managing Director JKPDC, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Director Industries Kashmir, Director Tourism Kashmir, Director Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, Director Health and Medical Education Kashmir,  Regional Transport Officer Kashmir, Chairman Traders Association Kashmir, President Chambers of Commerce Kashmir, President FCIK Kashmir, President Hoteliers Association, houseboat owners, Shikarawalas and President Transporters Kashmir.

 The advisor said that the fight against COVID is a collective effort and sought cooperation from all stakeholders to tackle the pandemic effectively. He said that the government is working unrelentingly to deal with the situation in the best possible way.  However, the efforts of the government need to be complemented with the cooperation of the community and in this endeavour, the role of the stakeholders like the Chamber of Commerce, Traders, Hoteliers, transporters, religious leaders have become more important. He said that the last time during first wave of Covid-19 there were no tried and tested method but during the second wave the Covid appropriate behaviour is known to everyone and the response to it is well established. While complimenting the efforts of the government, he reiterated that the administration is completely focused in tackling COVID by initiating a slew of measures.

Emphasising the need to disseminate the right information, Advisor said that the right education to be percolated among the masses about dealing with the pandemic is very important. He said that people should be made aware about the situation in the right perspective and they should be advised not to lend ear to the rumour mongers. He said that there is no shortage of oxygen, vaccines, drugs or other medical infrastructure. The huge consignment of vaccines has already arrived and vaccination drive as per the micro-plans, already prepared, shall go unabated. Referring to the oxygen supply, he said it has been further augmented by way of additional oxygen plants that have been received from Frankfort, Germany.

The advisor said that the Lieutenant Governor is taking day to day review of the COVID situation and is personally monitoring the performance of each department.  He further stressed the importance of tele-medication and said that this is being provided to the patients through Tele-consultations. He said that 32 dedicated lines are established in Srinagar only with the proper roster of the doctor attending to the calls.

All the HoDs of their respective departments informed that they are taking periodical reviews to upgrade the Covid management protocol as per the daily needs and requirements.

Secretary Tourism, Sarmad Hafeez, while speaking on the occasion, gave a detailed review of the measures being taken up in the tourism sector.

Director SKIMS briefed the participants about the measures being taken and the need for dissemination of awareness in the right manner.

Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz, briefed about the augmentation of oxygen plants and bedding capacity in hospitals. He informed that the government has increased the oxygen capacity by 4200 LPM in the last two weeks and an additional 3500 LPM oxygen capacity is being added in the coming days.

Various stakeholders from the Industrial sector and other economic sectors submitted their memoranda highlighting their problems due to the prevailing circumstances and sought the government's intervention. They lauded the efforts of the government and thanked the Lieutenant Governor for his unrelenting support during these testing times.

Advisor assured them that the government shall extend all kind of support wherever required in the wake of the prevailing global pandemic. He also assured them that the feedback taken during the course of the meeting shall be taken up with the Lieutenant Governor and the respective departments for consideration.(KNS)