हिंदी
Chandigarh, May 13: In a major initiative for BPL families amid the COVID-19 Pandemic, Haryana Chief Minister, Sh. Manohar Lal has decided to pay the premium of the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana on behalf of the government. At the same time, he has appealed to the villagers to keep vigil through ‘theekri pehra’ and ensure that people coming from outside the villages are kept in the Home Isolation. He announced this during a digital press conference here today.
The Chief Minister said that the villages witnessing frequent movement of people are becoming covid hotspots. Therefore, it is important to keep a close watch on people coming from outside in the villages as such people are becoming a threat to other villagers. He said that last year, the villagers had vigorously guarded the villages which helped prevent the spread of COVID-19, however, this time it is not happening due to which infection is spreading in the villages as well. He also appealed that if anyone in the villages experience even a slight symptom of COVID, he should get examined and isolate himself at home.
The Chief Minister urged the poor families to go to the bank and fill up the form so that they can get the benefit of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana. Forms of this scheme can be filled by May 31, 2021. For this, the first installment of premium must be in the account of the account holder. As soon as the installment premium is deducted from the account, the amount of premium will be deposited in the account by the government. The scheme is for people between the ages of 18 to 50 years with an annual premium of Rs 330. For the eligible families of BPL, the premium of this scheme will be deposited in their account every year in future also after deducting it from their account. Under this scheme, the family gets an insurance benefit of Rs 2 lakh on the death of an eligible person of the state due to any reason.
He said that the poor families who have lost members prematurely during the second wave of COVID-19 and for some reason could not fill the form for the benefit of this scheme will be given a benefit of Rs. 2 lakh by the State Government. Lakhs of families are eligible for this scheme.
The Chief Minister said that great pain is caused by the loss of a loved one. Many families are not able to cope with the loss. He said that since there are many families who are living life in poverty and the breadwinner of the family passes away at a young age, then a situation of crisis arises for that family. This scheme will be helpful for such families.
He said that even before this the Haryana Government was running several schemes of financial assistance for BPL families during the Covid pandemic. Covid-affected BPL families are being provided a one-time assistance of Rs. 5,000 for those who are undergoing treatment in home isolation. Apart from this, there is a plan to provide a sum of Rs. 5,000 per day to the hospital for a maximum of seven days for treatment for a person belongs to BPL family who is undergoing treatment in a private hospital. He said that for treating patients of Haryana, there is also a provision of giving Rs. 1,000 per patient per day to private hospitals.
In response to a question asked by a mediaperson, the Chief Minister said that there are 17,000 oxygen beds in private and government hospitals of the state, out of which about 13,500 beds are occupied by patients. He said that though private hospitals contribute 60% of the arrangement of these oxygen beds but it is painful when it comes to notice that some hospitals are charging more than the rates fixed by the Government. He said that strict action will be taken defaulters if caught doing such activities, under the Criminal Act and can lead to repercussion like shutting down oxygen supply and de-registration. He also said that the ambulance rates are also fixed and one should not charge more than the fixed price.
In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that delivery of oxygen is being done at home on the doctor’s prescription and this system is now in practice commonly. By this afternoon, 6,000 patients have registered for cylinders and more than 3000 cylinders have beem refilled and delivered to homes. He said that oxygen concentrators are being procured consistently. Some social organizations are also cooperating in this and some of our well-wishers living overseas are also sending concentrators. He said that the State Government will make all necessary arrangements at the Isolation Centres. Such centres are being constructed in rural areas, out of which work has started on 1,000 sites. For this, the cooperation of Panchayat representatives is being sought. ESI has received doctors and paramedical staff who will render their services in PHC and CHC in rural areas. In regard to vaccination, he said that the vaccination campaign is underway in phases. So far, about 47 lakh vaccinations have been administered. Apart from this, orders of 50 lakh doses have been given for the age group between 18 to 45 years, out of which 6 lakh vaccination doses have been received so far. The second dose is being given on a priority basis.
He said that 20% of the vaccine supply has been reserved for the frontline workers. These include workers of electricity, roadways and public health departments and journalists as well. Global tender for Russian vaccine Sputnik has been arranged. All costs for the vaccine will be borne by the State Government. Vaccine will be administered free of cost in government hospitals. In response to another question, he said that there is no shortage of oxygen beds. 5 to 20 beds are being prepared in PHC and CHC of rural areas, some of which have already been started in the rural areas.
Health department analysing the issue of black fungus
In response to another question, the Chief Minister said that the Health Department has started analysing when black fungus cases arose due to Covid. It will be overcome soon. He appealed to the opposition to cooperate in this time of pandemic crisis. He said that it is not right to doubt the medical functioning. Therefore, one must get tested if they are any symptoms.
The Chief Minister said that if any problems or suggestions are brought to his notice, then he can put them on his twitter handle. It is being monitored for 24 hours and the problem will be resolved immediately. Additional Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dr. Amit Agrawal, and Principal Media Advisor, Sh. Vinod Mehta were also present on the occasion.
