New Delhi: “Centre and States need to work in tandem and in a collaborative spirit as was done during the previous surges for Covid19 prevention and management”.
This was stated by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare as he virtually interacted with State Health Ministers and Principal Secretaries/ Additional Chief Secretaries and Information Commissioners, here on Friday. He came up with new guidelines for management of Coronavirus.
The virtual meeting was held in the presence of Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog.
‘Keep all preparedness for Covid management’
Union Health Minister referred to the message of Prime Minister from the high level review meeting held yesterday and advised States to be on the alert and keep all preparedness for Covid management.
Strengthen surveillance system for whole genome sequencing
States were requested to continue with pre-emptive & proactive approach. He urged States to strengthen the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country.
He highlighted the “Need to collectively reinvigorate the system & remove any sense of complacency and fatigue”.
Focus on Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate
Dr. Mandaviya said that irrespective of the new Covid variants, ‘Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate & Adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour’ continue to remain the tested strategy for Covid management. This would facilitate undertaking of appropriate public health measures, he said.
Increase rate of testing
States/UTs were also requested to expeditiously increase the rate of testing from the current rate of 79 tests per million, as on week ending 22nd December, 2022. They were further advised to increase the share of RT-PCR in tests.
Ramp up vaccination
Union Health Minister advised States/UTs to ramp up vaccination of all eligible population, especially of the elderly and vulnerable population group. He cautioned against spreading of misinformation by ensuring dissemination of factually correct information in a timely manner.
Conduct awareness campaigns
In view of the upcoming festive season, he stressed on the importance of public awareness campaigns regarding adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour. Dr Mandaviya requested the State Health Ministers to personally monitor and review the preparedness of all infrastructure and ensure there is adequate stock of essential medicines.
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