Centre will fully support Delhi in fighting Covid-19: Amit Shah

New Delhi, June 14 (HS): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday said that Delhi would be given 500 railway coaches to address the shortage of beds for Corona virus patients. His comments came after an urgent meeting, organized to address the Corona virus situation in the national capital after the Supreme Court pulled up Delhi government over the handling of the patients and dead bodies in hospitals and the sudden drop in testing.

“In view of shortage of beds for Corona infected patients in Delhi, the Modi government at the Center has decided to immediately give 500 railway coaches to Delhi. These railway coaches will not only increase 8000 beds in Delhi but they will also be equipped with all facilities to fight the disease,” Amit Shah tweeted.

 The Home Minister said that Delhi will also receive central help to increase the number of tests conducted. The meeting was attended by Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, deputy CM Manish Sisodia and Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. The state disaster management officials and other senior officers were also present in the meeting. This was the second meeting between Shah and Kejriwal in less than a week.

The national capital has logged nearly 38,000 cases so far.

The Home Minister assured Delhi government that it would supply the necessary resources including oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and pulse oximeters to fight this epidemic.

Amit Shah further said that to improve on the contact mapping in the national capital’s containment zones, a comprehensive health survey of every person will be done from house to house.

 To help private hospitals deal with coronavirus patients, the Centre will form a committee of senior doctors at Delhi’s prestigious All India Institute of Medical Sciences, which will provide guidance on telephone.

 Helpline number will be released on Monday. Another committee has also been formed to provide 60 percent of the beds reserved for Corona virus patients in private hospitals at a low rate, which will help them meet the costs.

 Meanwhile, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal tweeted, “Extremely productive meeting betn Del govt and Central govt. Many key decisions taken. We will fight against corona together.”