Proper protocol to be ensured while performing last rites of persons died due to Covid-19 : Jai Ram Thakur

Shimla : Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur today directed Deputy Commissioners of the State to ensure that the last rites of the persons, who have died due to Covid-19 were performed strictly as per the protocol and guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in this regard so that family members of the deceased do not face any inconvenience. He said that directions in this regard have already been issued on 12th May, 2021.Chief Minister said that the Deputy Commissioner of the concerned district must ensure that the bereaved family members of the Covid patients get full support and co-operation of the district administration in performing the last rites of the deceased. He said that in urban areas, the concerned Municipal Commissioners, Executive Officers/Secretaries of the Urban Local Bodies would be the overall nodal officers and should work in close coordination with hospitals and should provide resources such as PPE kits, dead body bags, disinfectants, sanitizers, waste disposable bags etc. for proper disposal of the dead body.Jai Ram Thakur said that in rural areas BDOs have been designated as nodal officers in their respective areas for this purpose.
He said that adequate PPE kits, dead body bags, disinfectants, sanitizers, waste disposable bags etc. would be provided to the hospitals and PHCs, so that the same could be made available to the people for performing the last rites as per the protocol. He said that BDOs should work in close coordination with the hospitals/PHCs, Panchayats and Panchayat Secretaries/Patwaries so as to ensure that the bereaved families do not face any inconvenience in performing last rites of the deceased. He also asked the nodal officers to ensure proper communication and information channels to address all issues pertaining to the last rites of the deceased. He said that family members of deceased should contact the Municipal authorities, Executive Officers/Secretaries of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayat Secretaries/Patwaries of their respective area for any assistance in the time of distress.Chief Minister has also made a appeal to social, religious and Non-Governmental Organizations to give their whole hearted cooperation to the family of the deceased in performing the last rites of the person died due to Covid-19. He said that this would be biggest service to the mankind and a great help to a family in distress. Jai Ram Thakur also urged the MLAs to ensure proper coordination with the local administration and health department, besides proper liaison with the family of the deceased so that the last rites could be performed as per the protocol and guidelines issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. He requested MLAs to contact the family members of the deceased so that they could get a moral support in this hour of distress.