Is a coronavirus explosion in India soon? Important letter from the Center to the States
With the rapid rise in COVID-19 cases in China and other countries, the Government of India is on high alert mode. The transmission of the virus is still slow in the country, but the government is taking all steps to stay safe and keep the situation under control.
In this sequence, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan has given necessary guidelines related to health by writing another letter to the states. Earlier, all health institutions (including accredited COVID-dedicated health facilities) across the country were asked to conduct a mock drill on December 27.
Important content of the Health Minister’s letter
Instructed the states to speed up preparations regarding hospitals and beds.
They were asked to increase the number of beds with ICU, isolation, oxygen-supported beds, and ventilators.
The number of adequate doctors and paramedical staff should be increased in hospitals.
Asked to increase testing capacity.
Instructions to strengthen the facilities of referral.
Instructions to keep adequate stock of all essential items including medical oxygen, masks, medicines and PPE kits in advance.
In the letter, he has directed the authority to be prepared to deal with any health emergency. He stressed on preparing COVID-19 health facilities and ensuring that the states/districts are in a state of readiness to meet the surge in clinical care needs due to any surge in cases.
Earlier on Friday, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya directed states and union territories to hold an exercise in all health facilities on December 27 to check infrastructure preparedness with special focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources.