About 50K Gram Panchayat-level workers to get benefits of state health scheme: CM Mamata Banerjee

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday made a big announcement saying that around 30,000 employees working in the three-tier Panchayati Raj system and 20,000 retired employees will be brought under the state health scheme.

West Bengal Federation had requested the Chief Minister in this regard so that the people working in Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti and Zilla Parishad can reap the benefits of the state government health scheme which all the state government employees avail.

Banerjee said that all the employees in the three-tier Panchayat system will be able to avail of treatment under the state health scheme.

Regarding the Covid situation in Bengal, Banerjee said the state health department has already issued a Covid advisory as there has been a surge in infection. “We are reporting around 150 Covid cases daily in Bengal for the past two days. Most of the cases are mild and around 49 have been admitted to hospitals. Of the admitted patients, only nine currently need oxygen support.”

While speaking to the media, Banerjee said: “Our government has also issued an advisory regarding the Covid situation and people with co-morbidities and senior citizens should take utmost precaution. We also have 30,000 beds for Covid patients, including 4,000 beds, with CCU facilities”

Incidentally, Banerjee on Monday directed the health department to come up with instructions so that the spread of Coronavirus can be checked. In the Covid advisory issued by the Health department on Tuesday, it was said that crowds or mass gatherings should be avoided as far as possible, especially by the elderly, children and pregnant women and also those having comorbidities. If someone is compelled to enter into crowded areas, he/she should use a proper mask irrespective of age, reads the advisory.

People are also advised to wash their hands with soap and water more frequently. People should cover their faces in case of sneezing or coughing.

The department has also published a helpline number 14416 for any emergency.

Banerjee also cautioned people in the wake of the heat wave conditions. She urged the people to avoid going out in the sun between noon and 4 pm due to severe heatwave conditions. She also advised the people to use umbrellas and to take ORS to avoid dehydration. Mercury has already gone above 40 degree Celsius in most of the South Bengal districts.