Assam grants ambulance status to all oxygen carriers amid COVID-19 fight

MUMBAI: In a move aimed at stepping up the fight against the rampaging coronavirus, the state of Assam has all oxygen vehicles- tankers carrying Nitrogen, Argon and Oxygen - the status of ambulance, to enable their hassle-free movement in state and transit through Assam.

Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, conveying the news via social media, wrote: "Assam Govt has granted all oxygen vehicles- tankers carrying Nitrogen, Argon and Oxygen - the status of ambulance, to enable their hassle-free movement in state & transit through Assam for speedy delivery of oxygen to critical centres."

This comes amid reports that several states across India have been stretched to the max to make oxygen available for the patients fighting the dreaded coronavirus, which has returned in a deadlier form in its second wave.

In another big relief for the people of Assam, everyone above the age of 18 years will avail vaccine against COVID-19 for free, health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

Also Read: Assam Government Unaware Of ICMR-NE’s Warning On UK Strain

Sarma added that donations received during COVID management last year will be utilised for the same.

Moreover, the state government informed that 1 crore vaccines of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin will arrive in Assam soon. Funds collected in Asom Arogya Nidhi account shall be used to procure the vaccines, Sarma said.

“Assam will give FREE vaccines to everyone from 18-45 years. GOI is giving free vaccines for 45 +,” Sarma tweeted.

On Monday, the Centre had announced that everyone above the age of 18 years can get vaccinated against COVID-19 from May 1. It also said that vaccine manufacturers are free to supply 50 per cent doses to state governments and in the open market.

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