From Our Bureau
29th APRIL 2020
A total of 31,787 confirmed cases of COVID-19 have been reported in the country so far and the death toll mounted to 1,008 on Wednesday. As many as 7,797 persons have been cured with a recovery rate of 24.5 per cent, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Through a graded, pre-emptive and pro-active approach, Government of India is taking several steps along with the States/Union Territories for prevention, containment and management of COVID-19. These are being regularly reviewed and monitored at the highest level.
Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Harsh Vardhan, interacted with the Lions Club International members across the country through Video Conferencing (VC), here today. He expressed his gratitude to the Lions Club members for contributing an amount of Rs. 9.1 Crores in the PM CARES Fund and of Rs. 12.5 Crores to the various Chief Ministers’ Relief Funds. He also appreciated their contribution in the form of providing meals to millions, and much needed medical equipment and protective gear.
The Union Health Minister stated that along with the States/UTs and the dedicated stakeholders and partners, India shall be able to emerge as a victorious in combating COVID-19.
Ms. Preeti Sudan, Secretary (HFW) chaired a Video Conference (VC) with representatives from States and districts to discuss and deliberate on health infrastructure and other various aspects related to COVID-19 management here today. The functioning of GIS Dashboard, COVID-19 portal and dedicated RT-PCR referral App was discussed during the VC. She urged the States to promote Arogya Setu App which is a self-assessment tool helpful in the prevention efforts of the Government.
The Secretary (HFW) emphasized that non-COVID essential medical care should not be neglected. It was reiterated that patients needing care like dialysis, cancer treatment, diabetics, pregnant women and those suffering from cardiac ailments must be given adequate care. States were urged to ensure that the services in proximity of people are functional and remain uninfected.
Speaking on management of COVID-19 cases, Dr. Balram Bhargava, Secretary (DHR) and DG (ICMR) emphasized on the importance of the meticulousness in collection of samples and filling up of the accompanying forms. States were informed that the RT-PCR app has been made functional and needs to be put to use immediately. (eom)