COVID-19 Preparedness: Union Health Secy Holds Meeting With States

New Delhi: The Centre on Monday reviewed public health preparedness for the management of COVID-19 and vaccination progress with States in view of the upsurge in COVID-19 cases. Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan chaired a high-level meeting through video conference with States and Union Territories.

He cautioned States and UTs against any complacency and advised them to follow up on the priorities listed in the joint advisory issued by Department of Health Research and Department of Health and Family Welfare.

He stressed ramping of testing with a higher proportion of RT-PCR and whole genome sequencing of positive samples. Mr Bhushan urged everyone to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour at all times. He also stressed on the need to increase the administration of precautionary doses among people, especially for the vulnerable population group.

22 States and UTs are reporting average daily transcripts per million less than the national average. It was also pointed out that 24 districts in the country are reporting more than 10 per cent weekly positivity in the week ending yesterday, while 43 districts are reporting weekly positivity between 5 to 10 per cent in the same time period.

Mr Bhushan also advised States to undertake mock drills across all health facilities on the 10th and the 11th of April to ensure operational readiness of Hospital Infrastructure, including Oxygen Cylinders, PSA oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources. Union Health Secretary said, irrespective of the new COVID variants, Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate and adherence to COVID-appropriate behaviour continue to remain the tested strategy for COVID management.

During the meeting, states were also urged to ensure availability of sufficient designated beds and health workers across the states, enhance community awareness regarding disease and regularly update COVID-19 data in Covid India Portal.

On the occasion, Member (Health), NITI Aayog Dr V K Paul highlighted the need for increased vigil due to the prevalence of new variants and vaccine immunity across the country. He urged States to increase preparedness, including higher level of RT-PCR tests and called for increasing the coverage of precautionary dose among population.