Pradeep Singh

Bhubaneswar: Amid the coronavirus outbreak and the subsequent 21-day lockdown in the country, Odisha Medical Services Association (OMSA) on Saturday appealed the State government to withdraw suspension order of Lalit Mohan Behera, a doctor of the State Assembly dispensary who was suspended after detection of third positive case in the State.

In a letter to Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, the association claimed that Behera was suspended without any investigations and any genuine cause and said, "Such type of action by the government has broken down the moral courage of doctors at this crucial junction, who are frontline warrior to fight corona."

"We request you to kindly withdraw the suspension order of Lalit Behera and reinstate him. OSMA is always with the government and the people of Odisha," OSMA's letter read.

Odisha government had earlier placed Behera on suspension after it was reportedly found out that he did not apprised the concerned authorities when the third COVID-19 patient visited him for consultation.

Also Read: Senior Professionals To Assist Odisha Govt In COVID-19 Management

Earlier, the third COVID19 patient in the State arrived in an Indigo flight from Delhi on March 10 along with his wife and daughter. After he showed flu symptoms, he had consulted in Vidhan Sabha dispensary in Bhubaneswar. Later, he had moved to Kar Clinic on March 21 and was admitted in ICU at the clinic. On March 25, the patient had visited the Capital Hospital where his sample was sent for test and later tested positive for COVID-19.

Besides, the doctors’ body said that the doctors and paramedical staff need adequate life protecting materials to fight the coronavirus outbreak instead of four months' advance salary as declared by the State government.

"Instead of supporting by giving four moths advance salary, we need life protection materials for the doctors and paramedical staff like gloves, N95 masks, sanitizer, PPE Kit (goggles, boot, covers, gowns) which are very essential to fight coronavirus," the association said.

On the other hand, in order to improve health outcomes in infra along with logistics management and equipment, the State government has invited EoI (Expression of Interests) from senior Professionals with long working experience in large corporate health care sectors, hospital infrastructure and management, international logistics and sourcing of equipment, accessories and materials. The government will reportedly engage such experienced professionals as 'Honourary Advisors' to the government.

Read More: Covid-19 Risk Heightens In Odisha, 112 Contacts Traced To P3

The State government has decided to intensively train personnel in accordance with available protocols. Besides, as per an order issued by the State Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy, MBBS students of 7th, 8th & 9th semesters are likely to be trained to be deployed if need arises.

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