Dr Vardhan reviews actions taken and further preparedness on Novel Coronavirus

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Union Health & Family Welfare Minister Dr  Harsh Vardhan chaired a high level meeting with senior officials of the Ministry, MS/Director of Central Government Hospitals such as Safdurjung, Dr RML Hospital,and AIIMS, here on March 18, 2020, to review preparedness on novel Coronavirus (COVID-19).

At the outset, the Union Health Minister appreciated  various actions being undertaken in close coordination with various ministries at the central level, States as well as Indian embassies abroad. He also lauded the States for active surveillance, effective contact tracing, and their preparedness for containment and management of COVID-19.

Dr Vardhan reviewed the preparedness regarding hospital management such as OPD blocks, availability of testing kits, personal protective equipment (PPEs), medicine, and adequate isolation wards. He directed hospitals to ensure adequate availability of protective gear for all healthcare workers. He was informed that adequate quantity of  PPE, masks, sanitisers, handheld thermometers etc., are being procured and provided to the designated places as per demand along with maintaining the stock to address any future demand.

Dr Vardhan reviewed in great detail the quarantine facilities for the evacuees including the ones at the airports/other key transit points, in terms of segregation of passengers, transportation to the quarantine facilities, health checks-ups etc. The Health Minister has directed for teams to be deputed to regularly inspect and monitor the quarantine facilities to ensure that the necessary amenities and facilities are being provided. He stated that he shall be reviewing the same everyday with the aim of improving them and added that he is reviewing the situation with the respective States/UTs.

Highlighting the critical important of effective communication as a tool of crisis management, Dr Vardhan advised for multi-media communication campaigns that would focus on different aspects such as preventive measures, busting myths, equipping the masses with information on guidelines, advisories, testing labs, etc, according to a PIB release.