Treatment charges to be fixed soon: CM

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, June 27

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Saturday said the decision on extending the lockdown in the state beyond June 30 would depend on the situation, but he was prepared to take whatever steps needed to control the Covid spread.

“If we are able to control the spread, there will be no need for a lockdown, but if it goes out of control, we have no choice. The lockdown has been imposed for the safety of people.”

At today’s #AskCaptain edition on Facebook Live, the Chief Minister, while replying to a question on overcharging of Covid patients by private hospitals, said the state government was in the process of fixing the rates. Members of the medical association wanted to meet him to discuss the issue, he said, adding that while he would be meeting them, he would definitely not allow profiteering in the state at the cost of the people’s lives and health in these testing times. He further pointed out that all treatment and medicines for Covid were being provided free of cost in government hospitals. On the cancellation of examinations in universities and colleges, as has already been announced by some states, the Chief Minister said the final decision would be taken within two to three days. The Chief Minister also announced lifting of restrictions of 50 per cent passenger capacity in all buses, but made it clear that masks would have to be worn by all those using public transport.

He made the announcement in response to a question by a Haryaoo Khurd resident regarding problems faced in commuting to Patra due to unavailability of buses.

On the issue of petrol and diesel price hike, he said the Congress Working Committee had already passed a resolution and it hoped the Central Government would roll back the increase.