Make tocilizumab, plasma therapy available for every COVID-19 patient: Gehlot to officials

In an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus in Rajasthan, Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has directed the health officials to make available life-saving tocilizumab injection and plasma therapy to every COVID-19 patient. Gehlot said that efforts must be taken to educate the common people about coronavirus.

Jaipur: Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday directed officials to make available life-saving tocilizumab injection and plasma therapy to every COVID-19 patient in critical condition.

In a review meeting on the coronavirus situation in the state, he said that tocilizumab injection costs around Rs 40,000 and is out of reach for poor and the state government will immediately approve funds for making the drug available for all.

Stressing on the need to provide better medical facilities to poor, CM said, "Life of every individual in the state is important and it is the top priority of the govt to save the life of people during this pandemic.

"In areas which report a high spike of coronavirus cases, medical experts should be sent to assist the local doctors. The condition of patients admitted to private hospitals should be continuously monitored by the district authorities and health officers," he instructed.

Plasma Donation Camp:

In a bid to promote plasma donation in Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot said, "Plasma donation camp must be organised in the state and recovered Covid-19 patients must be encouraged to come forward and donate plasma. Awareness campaigns and plasma donation drives must be organised. All efforts must be undertaken by the authorities to test and treat people to contain the stem of the virus. The mortality rate in the state is very low but as a precautionary measure random testing must be done."

Gehlot directed officials to ensure availability of plasma and life-saving injections as per requirement in all medical colleges and district hospitals of the state along with the SMS hospital.

"Make such an arrangement that the plasma needed for therapy should be present in our bank. For this, awareness campaigns and donation camps should be set up," Gehlot said.

It was informed in the meeting that plasma therapy has started in Jaipur, Jodhpur and Kota.

READ: Rajasthan political crisis: Governor listening to his masters' voice, says Congress

Public awareness important:

Highlighting the importance of public awareness, Rajasthan Congress supremo went on to add, "It is very important that people should be made aware about the COVID-19 health protocols. Public mic system should be installed in local streets and locality to create awareness. People must be told about the importance of wearing masks, social distancing and there should be no delay in corona test results.

He said, "We are trying to increase the test capacity in the state. But those who undergo COVID-19 testing must be advised to stay at home to stem the spread of the deadly virus. District-wise strategies must be developed on the advice of the experts and authorities must keep a close tab on all the health-related incidents. It must be ensured that people abide by the lockdown norms and strict action should be taken against those who flout norms."

Since elderly people are more exposed to getting infected, they must go for regular check-ups and testing should be done for the ones who are suspected. At present, at least 17,000 people are in institutional quarantine and their condition is being monitored.

State Health Minister Raghu Sharma, Chief Secretary Rajiv Swaroop, DGP Bhupendra Singh and others senior health officials were present at the meeting.

READ:Congress stages state-wide protest against BJP in Rajasthan