Shillong, April, 07 2020 : Minister of Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, James K. Sangma, on Tuesday reviewed the overall situation in view of the lockdown at Tura, wherein he assured that efforts are being made by the government to ensure that challenges and concerns of the people are addressed.

He said that in the past there were difficulties faced by the citizens with regards to supply of essential commodities but the government has resolved the issues of availability and distribution and essential supplies and commodities are available in the market now.

“Food grains are being released under the NFSA and Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) for all the districts, and this will ensure availability of food grains, particularly in the rural areas,” said Minister.

Matters related to medical preparedness were discussed at length during the meeting, wherein various issues were discussed particularly on allotment of dedicated ambulances for sample collection and transportation of suspected patients.

Officials from the Health Department informed that isolation ward, quarantine centre and Corona care centre have been setup in Tura and for the plain belt areas of West Garo Hills at Selsella CHC and Chibinang CHC.

In West Garo Hills, 211 beds are available at the Corona Care Centre, 60 beds for quarantine, including 30 beds in plain belt area of Garo Hills besides isolation ward at Tura Civil Hospital, Selsella CHC and Chibinang CHC.

Isolation wards have also been designated at two private hospitals – Tura Christian Hospital and Holy Cross Hospital of Tura with 4 and 5 beds each. The issue of PPE and other equipment for frontline workers were discussed. During the meeting, the Minister informed that government has placed orders for the equipment, which are being made available to different health care institutions.

The meeting also discussed the shortage of LPG cylinder, wherein the minister has assured that measures have been taken to streamline the supply.

The issues of the farming community were discussed at length. The Minister has directed the Deputy Commissioner to chart out action plans in collaboration with Agriculture Dept to resolve any difficulties of the farmers.

Thanking stakeholders including officers, faith-based organisations, civil society organisations and the public at large for their cooperation during the lockdown period, the minister has appealed to the people to continue to adhere to government advisories by maintaining social distancing and hand hygiene.