By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, April 21, 2020: Recognising the contributions of doctors, health professionals and other support staff in fight against the deadly Coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic, Odisha chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Tuesday announced state funeral for government personnel who die during the duty.

Besides, the state government in convergence with Government of India initiative will ensure ex-gratia assistance of Rs 50 lakh for all health personnel (private and public) and members of all other support services who lose their precious lives in the fight against Covid-19.

In a video message this afternoon, Patnaik said the war against Covid-19 is being fought by doctors and healthcare professionals on the frontlines, assisted by a huge army of support services. The State should be grateful for the bold and selfless service rendered by its doctors, health professionals and other support staff like ASHA workers during the pandemic.

“In the absence of any cure or vaccine, those fighting the Covid war for us are taking a huge risk by putting themselves in the front. We propose to recognize and honour the valiant work being done by our Covid warriors. The state would treat them as martyrs,” the chief minister said adding that a detailed scheme of awards will be instituted and given on national days.

The CM said families of all government personnel (medical and others) who die during Covid-19 will continue to receive full salary till the date of retirement. Warning against any discrimination and harassment of the doctors and other health workers employed in the containment effort, Patnaik said any act against the doctors and the health workers is an act against the State.

“If any act that will disturb or dishonour their work, very strict criminal action will be taken including invoking the provisions of NSA,” he said, referring to the attack on an ASHA worker in Nayagarh district, who was left scalded after a man poured hot gruel on her face during an awareness session on the spread of the virus.