By TIOL News Service

NEW DELHI, MAY 01, 2021: THE Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi, chaired a Cabinet meeting on Friday to discuss the situation arising out of the second wave of COVID-19 cases, the “once in a century crisis” being faced by the country.

The Council of Ministers reviewed all efforts made by the Central and State governments in the last 14 months. “All arms of the government are working unitedly and rapidly to deal with the situation,” said the PM.

The Council stressed the importance of Covid Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) and noted the the participation of society is a “key aspect to accomplish the gigantic task ahead and expressed confidence that the country will rise to the occasion and defeat the virus.”

Urging the ministers to stay in touch and help the people of their respective regions, Mr Modi asked them to keep getting feedback at the ground level. He also stressed upon the need to ensure that issues at the local level are promptly identified and addressed.

The Cabinet discussed the government’s efforts to ramp up the number of hospital beds, oxygen plants and facilities, resolve issues in the production and transport of oxygen, and the availability of essential medicines.

The support measures to the vulnerable population in the form of provision of foodgrains and financial support to Jan Dhan account holders were also discussed.

The virtual meeting was informed that more than 15 crore vaccines had been administered and India had successfully produce two vaccines with many candidates at the various stages of approval and induction.

The Health Ministry later briefed the Cabinet and said they are closely coordinating with States regarding the availability and supply of medical oxygen and have advised them to undertake oxygen consumption audit in all hospitals, including private hospitals.