STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched a fleet of 100 ambulances under Mrityunjoy 108 Service at GMCH (Gauhati Medical College and Hospital) auditorium here on Saturday when all medicos and others involved in COVID duty were felicitated.
Speaking on the occasion after the launch of the ambulance and the thanks-giving ceremony, Sarma said, "I've been the Health Minister of the State since 2006, but I faced the real acid test in 2020. The mortality rate due to COVID-19 in Assam is 0.5 per cent. The pandemic has made us self-reliant. The Assam model of fight against COVID-19 in the State has been the trend setter in the social media in the country. There've been queries as to 'if Assam can do why not other States?'
"The blessings of COVID-19 are that now we've upgraded our hospital infrastructure. The critical care has got a boost, apart from the overall public healthcare system in the State.
"As of now, we've been able to administer 1.50 lakh COVID vaccines in the State. With this we've stepped into Atmonirbhar as reiterated by the Prime Minister.
"During the outbreak of the pandemic we did send Rs 4,000 each to people staying in other States of the country. We also sent dollars to Indians stranded in other countries."
Speaking on the occasion, DGP Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta said, "Minister Himata Biswa Sarma had good grip over the department and the medical fraternity during the COVID-19 outbreak. The State police personnel also played their role by helping senior citizens and street animals, apart from commoners."
All district administrations were also awarded for their contributions during COVID times. All health workers who lost their lives because of COVID-19 infection were also felicitated posthumously.
A few departments like AERC (Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission), Assam Police, NF Railway, Lokapriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Assam State Transport Corporation, NHM etc., that rendered valuable service during the pandemic were also felicitated.
In the Kayakalpa Scheme, Tinsukia District Hospital stood first. Under the CHC category Dimow Model Hospital got the first prize, while in PHC category Dholmara PHC of Kokrajhar got the top honour.