By Our Correspondent
CUTTACK/BHUBANESWAR: In continuation to our drive against hoarding/ black marketing of COVID essentials, in the last 24 hours, the Joint Flying Squads comprising Drug Inspectors, officials of Crime Branch, Special Task Force and local Police conducted verification in various pharmaceutical firms at Chandrasekharpur, Bhubaneswar and Nabarangpur district. Verification was also carried out at various medical stores / stockist depots / oxygen filling centres. The records and stocks of entry and supply of COVID medicines and related items were verified. Distribution details were collected and the medical firms/hospitals were directed to submit daily up-dates on the distribution of COVID-19 drugs.
To prevent hoarding and black marketing of COVID medicines in the State, the State Level Committee comprising ADGP, Crime as Chairman and Joint Secretary, Health Department and Drugs Controller as Members, has been formed by the Government of Odisha. 07 Flying Squads in Cuttack-Bhubaneswar and 15 in rest of the State are actively carrying out the enforcement.
ADGP, Crime reviewed the enforcement drive. Verification of utilization by Hospitals & cross verifying the records of Hospitals by contacting beneficiaries has been intensified in the state. Decoys are being sent and intelligence has been geared up. Strong action under criminal laws will be taken against anyone indulging in hoarding, black marketing or any illegal acts.
