Bhubaneswar:30/9/20 Odisha Health Minister Naba Das on Wednesday dismissed all the allegations on COVID-19 mismanagement leveled by the Opposition political parties against the government.
Making a statement during the Monsoon Session of the State Legislative Assembly after an adjournment motion was moved in connection over the matter, Das defended his government’s efforts in tackling the pandemic.
The minister argued that Odisha has been doing a lot better in terms of COVID management than other states of India. To reinforce his point, he pitted that while the national mortality rate in the viral disease is at 1.6%, Odisha’s rate is as low as 0.38%”, said Das.
Bringing in some more data, Das said, “Odisha now has active cases just over 36,000. Out of this 29,000 positive patients are currently in-home quarantine, while just 7348 patients are being treated in COVID hospitals.”
Questioning the opposition’s tirade, Das said, “If the government has failed in COVID management, then how these patients are recovering from the serious disease that has claimed more than 800 lives and infected over 2 lakh people in the State.
Das spoke regarding the migrant issue as well. As per his statement in the Assembly, “COVID 19 was under control in the state during the lockdown. However, the situation deteriorated after migrants returned to Odisha.”
“Alleged COVID kit procurement scam is under investigation and the perpetrators will be punished according to the law if found guilty,” he noted.
However, both Congress and the BJP did not seem to be satisfied with the Health minister’s statements.
Congress’ Santosh Singh Saluja slammed the government by stating that it is hiding the actual scenario of the COVID crisis in the State. “10,000 people are getting infected daily at the least, but the government is only providing data of 3000-4000 people. The government is also hiding the expenses incurred in TMCs.”