By Bizodisha Bureau, Bhubaneswar, April 10, 2020: Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das on Friday urged Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan to extend the lockdown to effectively contain COVID-19 outbreak at the national level.

During discussion through video conferencing on Friday, Das said that Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik led cabinet has extended the lockdown till April 30. He requested Dr Harsh Vardhan to look into the suggestions of the state government regarding the extension of the lockdown period.

Das urged the Union Health Minister to ensure the supply of HCQS tablets, N-95 masks and vitamin C to the state immediately in view of the COVID -19 pandemic.

He further demanded that the state should be given five lakh PPEs and RTPCR kits for blood testing of coronavirus affected persons and added that the state needs 5000 RNA. Presently the state has 300 RNA, he added.

The minister said the government should prepare a guideline for SC/ST regions and said a special assistance package must be given to the state to fight the deadly coronavirus.

Das put forth his demand before the Union minister that the RCMR should be instructed to allow Burla, Berhampur, Bolangir and other hospitals in the state for blood testing. The Balasore AIIMS satellite hospital must also be equipped with a blood testing facility, he said.

It may be recalled that the centre has sanctioned Rs 46.35 crore as assistance to the state to fight coronavirus, but Das sought more aid.