Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya held a corona review meeting with states and union territories on Monday. During this, he said that there should be no shortage in the preparations to fight the increase in the cases of Covid-19 infection. Mandaviya also stressed on maintaining holistic coordination to deal with the pandemic. Mandaviya also reiterated that the Center is dedicated to support the states in containing the COVID-19. He said that the Central Government has provided assistance under ECRP-II to strengthen the health infrastructure across the country.
India COVID-19 Emergency Response and Health System Preparedness Package – Phase – II is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme to support the national health system for emergency response and preparedness and for prevention, detection and response to the threat posed by the ongoing pandemic across the country. During the digital interaction, he reviewed the public health preparedness for controlling and managing COVID-19 as well as the progress of the vaccination campaign in these states.
Budget should be used properly – Health Minister
The Health Ministry statement said that Mandaviya urged the states to make strong preparations in terms of physical infrastructure and use the funds sanctioned under ECRP-II efficiently. He requested the State Health Ministers to review the implementation of physical activities under ECRP-II. It was also suggested that the operational status of infrastructure like beds, PSA plants, oxygen equipments be filled on the portal by the states.
They should be commissioned and kept in a functional state to deal with any situation in future, the statement said. It was emphasized that for real-time data-driven analysis and information-based decisions in the fight against COVID, states should update their data on surveillance portals. This will help in planning and assessing preparedness at multiple levels.
Do not reduce the stock of medicines, oxygen
Mandaviya also advised the states to review the surplus stock of essential medicines and ensure that the shortfall, if any, is met. The Union Minister advised the states to increase vaccination to all eligible populations, especially in low-vaccinated areas and districts. “Vaccination reduces the need for hospitalization and the condition is not serious,” he said.
He emphasized on providing ‘precautionary dose’ for the identified categories and urged the states to ensure full coverage of the at-risk population. He also requested the states to expedite the full coverage of the eligible age group of 15-18 years at the earliest. Mandaviya said that irrespective of the nature of COVID, following ‘Test-Surveillance-Vaccination’ and ‘Covid Appropriate Practices’ continue to be the key pillars for COVID management.
States have been advised to hold regular meetings with regional officers of ICMR, NCDC, airport public health officers and state surveillance officers, the statement said. Mandaviya highlighted the importance of tele-consultation through platforms like e-Sanjeevani and advised the states to set it up in every district.
Should work round the clock – Health Minister
“They should work round the clock… It is important that people know about the health infrastructure and services available,” the Union Health Minister said. States need to set up control rooms to publicize their availability and monitor them. Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Praveen Pawar stressed on the need to strictly follow the home quarantine guidelines. He also urged the states to ensure that health workers are trained for home quarantine.
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