Ranchi, Jharkhand | June | 12, 2021 :: UNICEF is giving critical lifesaving supplies, including 800 oxygen concentrators, and 20 lakh masks to help Jharkhand win the fight against COVID-19.
Mr. Prasanta Dash, Chief of Field Office met with the Chief Minister, Mr. Hemant Soren today. Mr. Arun Kumar Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health, Government of Jharkhand, Mr. Vinay Kumar Choubey, IAS, Secretary to the Chief Minister, and Mr. Abhishek Prasad, Press Advisor were also present at the occasion.
The Chief Minister said, “We welcome UNICEF’s support in this critical period. UNICEF has been a valued partner in Jharkhand and I am sure that these critical supplies will help the most vulnerable receive medical aid and help us win the fight against COVID-19. UNICEF’s lifesaving work is commendable and I thank them for their assistance in our efforts to respond to COVID-19. ”
Mr. Dash said, “Due to COVID-19, the health system has been overstrained and doctors and nurses have also been under immense pressure. To prevent any loss of life, we are providing oxygen concentrators to the Department of Health, Government of Jharkhand as a part of our technical support. ”
Mr. Arun Kumar Singh, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Department of Health, Government of Jharkhand said, “In addition to oxygen concentrators, we have also received cold chain equipment’s, RTPCR machines and masks. These will strengthen our preparedness for the pandemic and help us save lives.”
Mr. Dash further added that UNICEF Jharkhand has been providing technical support to the National Health Mission, Government of Jharkhand since before the pandemic and will continue to do so.
Apart from supporting the healthcare system, UNICEF in Jharkhand is also working with partners and other government departments to promote COVID appropriate behaviour (wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distance) with volunteers on ground, and in protecting the most vulnerable.
Mr Dash said, “We have been strengthening communication and community engagement, including age- and gender-tailored messages to prevent the spread of COVID-19, psychosocial support messages and guidance for parents and caregivers. We have been providing critical hygiene and other supplies needed for COVID-19 response, including soap, detergents to the most at-risk households, and populations most vulnerable to the spread of the infection.”
