Mumbai, Mar 26 (PTI) Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray on Thursday appealed the private doctors in the state not to close their clinics during ongoing lockdown for containing coronavirus.

He also assured that the government will take care of residents of other states who are stuck in Maharashtra, an official statement said.

Private medical practitioners need to keep their clinics open to treat patients for illnesses other than coronavirus, the chief minister said.

Special I-cards will be issued for those who provide essential services, including doctors and medical staff, he said.

Thackeray interacted with district collectors and divisional commissioners through video conference on Thursday evening.

He reiterated instruction to officials to look for all those who had travelled abroad during the past fortnight and conduct their medical check-up.

Officials should ensure that residents of other states who are stranded in Maharashtra get necessary help, and also help Maharashtra residents who are stuck outside, the chief minister added.

He also directed collectors to find out how many hospital beds can be reserved for coronavirus patients in their districts.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)