New Delhi: ‘Mitigation and Management of Covid-19’, a compendium of best practices, released by NITI Aayog contained a slew of initiatives undertaken by the Odisha government to control and manage Covid-19 outbreak.
The NITI Aayog stated in its report that Odisha was one of the first states in the country to have dedicated Covid hospitals in every district by April end.
“A collaborative approach with private sector enabled Odisha to become one of the first states in the country to have a dedicated Covid hospital in each of its districts before end-April, 2020,” the NITI Aayog said.
The compendium was released by NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant and other members Wednesday.
The NITI Aayog noted various initiatives taken by the state government to boost health infrastructure, create awareness among people and for welfare of healthcare workers.
The report released by the Aayog mentioned that online competition ‘Mo Pratibha’, was organised by the state with different categories like art, painting, slogan writing, poster making, short stories and poetry to keep children engaged during the lockdowns as well as to create awareness.
The report also stated that advance payment of four months’ salary to healthcare workers to boost their morale was among the best practices to contain spread of the deadly virus.
The NITI Aayog also noted the work done by self-help groups (SHGs) in the state. The report stated that over 65 lakh reusable face masks were produced manufactured and sold at nominal prices to frontline workers by the SHGs.
“At least 300,000 masks were additionally distributed free of cost by SHGs to the poor and vulnerable. Over 7,300 SHGs were involved with kitchen management and provided over 1.9 crore meals in rural and urban areas during the lockdown,” the NITI Aayog said.
