New Delhi: India will conduct a mock drill today to test how well prepared the health facilities are to deal with any spike in Covid-19 cases. Health ministers of all states will participate in the mock drill.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya will visit Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital at 9:45 am to supervise the mock drill.
“Such exercises will help in our operational readiness, fill gaps if any and consequently strengthen our public health response,” Mandaviya said at a meeting with doctors of the Indian Medical Association (IMA).
The mock drill will focus on parameters such as availability of health facilities, capacity of isolation beds, oxygen supported beds, ICU (Intensive Care Unit) beds and ventilator supported beds in all districts.
It will also focus on human resource capacity in terms of health professionals trained on COVID-19 management, health professionals trained in ventilator management protocols for critical cases, and health personnel trained in operating medical oxygen plants.
The Delhi government has approved a budget of Rs 104 crore for hospitals to buy generic medicines as part of their preparedness to deal with any Covid emergency.
Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said in a statement, “The surge in Covid cases globally is a matter of concern for all. Hospitals in Delhi have been asked to prepare well in advance and be alert.”
Karnataka on Monday took the lead in taking precautionary measures by directing the use of masks in cinema halls and educational institutions.
The southern state also mandated two doses of Covid vaccination for bars, restaurants and pubs, which will be allowed to operate up to seating capacity till 1 pm on January 1 for the new year.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian asked people to wear masks in crowded places and said that the Kovid protocol has never been relaxed in the state.
The West Bengal government said it has come out with a six-point plan that focuses on genomic surveillance, oxygen carrying capacity, testing and emergency responses.
(with agency inputs)