Bhubaneswar: Odisha Health Department today received a noble gesture from the Health and Wellness Group of the Odisha Society of North America. The non-resident Odias (NROs) have donated a Covid Testing Van. Health and Wellness Group is the group of Odia doctors working in United States of America (USA).
In his reactions, Odisha Health Minister Naba Kishore Das said, “Really I’m thankful to the Health and Wellness Group of the Odisha Society of North America as they have donated a Covid testing van to the Health Department of Odisha. And also I’m thankful that Mr Sabyasachi Mishra, ambassador of this group, who has handed over this to our Dr Niranjan Mishra, Director of Public Health.”
“This will act as a great help for the people of Odisha. So, I wish this organization a bright future,” mentioned the Health Minister.
Public Health Director Dr Niranjan Mishra said, “Some of our Odia doctor friends from America with the help of our doctor Debashis Ray wished to extend their aid for fighting against Corona. They have donated this swab collection van. It reached us via Delhi. I received it on behalf of Government of Odisha. For the time being, it will be pressed into service in our BMC area for sample test. Today, it was inaugurated. I’m thankful to Sabyasachi Babu as well as the Odia friends of America on behalf of the State Government for this noble gesture. This van can also help in antigen test.”
Actor Sabyasachi Mishra said, “Today, a mobile testing van has been pressed into service to fight against Corona. As a good will ambassador of the Health and Wellness Group, I’m fortunate enough to receive it after its arrival from Delhi. Today, it was simultaneously handed over to the Odisha Health Department. It will be dedicated to Covid testing purpose in Odisha.”
He also informed, “As per requirement, few more vans are also getting ready for delivery which will further strengthen Odisha’s fight against COVID.”
Chairman of the group Dr Debasis Ray (USA) informed, “In future the group has many plans to execute in association with Sabyasachi Mishra, for the betterment of Odisha.”
Capital Hospital Director Dr Laxmidhar Sahoo said, “In this capacity, I convey my immense gratitiude to our Odia doctor brethren in America. Amid such a Covid pandemic situation, our Odia doctors living in America have taken a noble decision so that this van will be of ample help. Our staff, who have been engaged in swab collection duty, will be very much benefitted by this van. They can also work very comfortably.”
Notably, the van is equipped with all modern facilities as a Mobile Covid Testing booth. The Van is assembled with all facilities at New Delhi as per the COVID guideline requirements.
Health Department has deployed the covid testing van initially to Khordha district and the van has started operation.
In future it will be used as a Vaccination van as and when Vaccine arrives, sources said.
