Govt working for smooth supply of oxygen and vaccines to Covid patients: Nirmala Sitharaman

New Delhi, 23 April (HS): Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Thursday said that provision of oxygen, vaccines and their logistics to people affected by coronavirus is being ensured, given the recent surge in cases of COVID-19 pandemic across the country. The Minister was addressing a virtual session organised by the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Speaking at the event, Sitharaman mentioned that the Government is reviewing and monitoring the situation regularly and working arduously for a better co-ordination between States, hospitals and suppliers of oxygen and vaccines to match the demand and supply in the country.

The Finance Minister stated that the Prime Minister himself is monitoring the situation with eminent doctors and vaccine manufacturers. The import of vaccines, certified by international bodies has been allowed in India;  support is being extended to manufacturers by the Government by way of giving advances and vaccination drive against coronavirus has been allowed for people aged 18 years and above from 1st May 2021, she added.

She further said, a slew of announcements have been made in regard to the drug Remdesivir and custom duty has been waived and quantity for export has been held back for use in country considering the requirement of Remdesivir injection.

These announcements are expected to increase the availability of the injection, the Finance Minister said. For oxygen supply, the government is identifying idle manufacturing capacities to match the demand and supply in the country, Sitharaman said.

The Minister further said that the way forward to tackle the current situation is through micro containment zone so that life and livelihood can be protected.

Speaking on the occasion, Sanjay Aggarwal, President, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that the Central Government had last year acted swiftly and extended the timelines for compliances under various corporate laws and the same steps and support measures are required this year also.

Former presidents, senior managing committee members and members from industry also participated in the virtual interactive session.