New Delhi: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dr Harsh Vardhan has said that a few state governments have been concentrating on playing politics and publicity over COVID 19 pandemic.
"State government must be sincere in its fight against COVID 19. But unfortunately a few states have been playing politics and busy in publicity... they are hardly bothered about people's welfare," said Dr Vardhan while interacting with Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) on Friday evening.
The statement given by Dr Harsh Vardhan has also exposed the differences between centre and state governments in their fight against COVID 19.
Earlier, Dr Vardhan has said that there was no differences between centre and state and both are working unitedly fighting against COVID 19 pandemic.
Although Dr Vardhan did not name the "states", his indication was towards opposition ruled states like West Bengal, Maharastra, Rajasthan and even Delhi.
Delhi government's anti-COVID approach come under criticism following large scale spike of COVID 19 cases for last several days. Allegation also came to the fore on the poor scale of COVID 19 testing and surveillance.
Similarly, central government was critical over West Bengal government's approach to fight COVID 19. On the other hand, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led West Bengal government also criticised centres " different approach with different states. "
Mamata Banerjee has earlier raised question after Home Ministry has sent central team to a few selected states including West Bengal.
Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan's statement comes at a time when States like Maharastra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal have been witnessing huge spike of COVID 19 cases.
Dr Vardhan informed the CAIT that India has registered lowest death rate due to COVID 19 in comparison to other countries.
"Although we have registered lowest death rate at 2.87 percent, but for those who lost their dear and near once, the death rate was 100 percent which is unbearable for them," said Dr Vardhan.
Interacting with the Union Health Minister, CAIT members also sought for clarity over reports that COVID 19 can spread through currency notes.
"If currency notes carry infection, what are the preventive and safety measures. The government could suggest not only for the traders but even for the general public so that any prospect of spreading COVID 19 through currency notes must be contained," the traders association said.
Also Read: Global COVID-19 tracker
