Manipur Lok Sabha MP Lorho S Pfoze urged state Chief Minister N Biren Singh to seek the support from the Japanese Embassy and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) for providing uninterrupted flow of oxygen, including ventilators and oxygen concentrators in hospitals and health centres in the region, especially those in hard-to-reach areas.
On May 12, the MP had written to Chief Minister N Biren, stating that a Japanese friend had informed him that the Japanese Embassy and the UNDP may explore rural Manipur, that the under-served areas are deprived of many critical and life-saving facilities, and take the matter forward if the state government write to the Japanese Embassy and UNDP.
Pfoze also drew attention to a press release issued by UNDP New Delhi, dated May 10, with regards to the subject mentioned above. He mentioned that he discussed the subject with his Japanese friend about the ongoing pandemic overwhelming the health system across the country. He added that one key challenge has been the acute shortage of medical oxygen, and Manipur is placed in no better situation than any other North Eastern Indian states.
His deep concern is for the district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centres and primary health centres especially in the far-flung and hill areas where the frontline health workers work, but the lives of the population they serve are increasingly facing perils, the letter mentioned.
“The situation in India is devastating and the pandemic continues to threaten millions of lives. UNDP urgently needs additional support to ensure that we reach the last mile and leave no one behind,” the letter added.
The press release issued by UNDP stated that the government of Japan and UNDP have joined hands to boost oxygen supply in the Northeastern region in India.
As the second wave of pandemic continues to spread in India at an unprecedented pace, the government of Japan and UNDP, India have partnered to provide oxygen generation plants to the Northeastern region, it added.
