By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 26 May: With the recent rise in Covid-19 cases across the country as well as in Uttarakhand, the state government has intensified vigilance and preparedness. State Secretary, Medical Health and Medical Education, Dr R Rajesh Kumar, held a review meeting here today with senior health officials, directing them to ensure full readiness for any emergency and avoid any negligence. Stressing the importance of maintaining active Covid-19 management systems, he urged hospitals and health centres to remain fully functional with all necessary resources available.
The meeting, attended by key officials including Director General, Health, Sunita Tamta, Director, Medical Education, Dr Ashutosh Sayana, Assistant Director Pankaj Singh, CMO, Dehradun, Dr Manoj Sharma, and CMS, Doon Medical College, Dr RS Bisht, focused on strengthening Covid-19 surveillance and response mechanisms. Dr Kumar assured that, while the situation in Uttarakhand remains under control, proactive measures are essential to prevent any surge in cases. He emphasised that vigilance and awareness should be maintained without causing panic and urged people to follow health guidelines strictly.
The hospitals and medical colleges have been instructed to ensure adequate availability of isolation beds, oxygen supply systems, ventilators, BiPAP machines, ICU beds, and essential medicines. Testing centres have been directed to stock sufficient rapid test kits and RT-PCR kits, with mandatory monitoring of ILI (Influenza-like Illness), SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection), and Covid cases. Daily reporting of cases on the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP) is now mandatory for all hospitals and diagnostic labs.
Rapid Response Teams under the IDSP programme have been asked to remain trained and prepared for any unusual situation, and all symptomatic patients will be compulsorily tested, with positive samples sent for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS). Healthcare workers will undergo re-training for Covid-19 management and response, ensuring the state is fully equipped to handle any potential surge in cases.
Additionally, a widespread public awareness campaign will be launched to educate citizens about Covid-19 precautions, including mask usage, hand hygiene, social distancing, and timely medical consultation.
