New Delhi: Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Thursday asked all state governments as well as union territories to be more vigilant and implement all possible containment strategies to break the chain transmission of coronavirus in the country.
Dr Harsh Vardhan held a video conferencing with health ministers and chief secretaries of states and UTs over COVID-19. The Health Minister asked all the states and UTs to ensure strict implementation of the lockdown and ensure the availability of essential services and commodities.
He also stressed on the importance of setting up a dedicated hospital for Covid-19 in all states. Dr Vardhan emphasized that the treatment of confirmed cases should be carried out as per protocol to ensure contact tracing in all cases and follow-up.
He advised effective community surveillance with a specific focus on international travellers to India since last month. He also advised them to ensure random verification of home quarantine and actions be taken against defaulters.
Dr Vardan advised States and UTs to request retired doctors to work as volunteers to fight novel coronavirus. He advised health ministers and chief secretaries to ensure training of ambulance drivers, call centre personal and EMR team members and also to update district wise ambulance details on the Covid-19 portal.
Referring to the reports that doctors across India have been asked by landlords to vacate houses, Dr Vardhan strongly advised the states and UTs to issue a directive to landlords not to evict doctors, nurses and other health workers.
The health minister said that the Central government has announced Rs 50 lakh insurance cover for doctors, paramedic, health care workers dealing with coronavirus pandemic. He also asked the state to provide funds under the National Health Mission (NHM) to medical colleges for procuring COVID-19 related equipment. He also suggested that pharmacies should be encouraged to carry out door-to-door delivery of drugs. "Helpline number for psychological consultations should be launched for those already in quarantine," he said.
Stating that telemedicine guidelines have been issued and the app is also been launched, Dr Vardhan asked states to identify hub of doctors who will use the app to counsel people staying at home.
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