IndiGlobal Bureau
Covid drills were held across Indian cities here on Tuesday in a bid to help operational readiness after the recent spike of Omicron’s BF.7 variant in China. Last week Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan had written to all states and Union Territories to hold a drill on December 27.
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya oversaw the drill at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. “Such exercises would help our operational readiness, help in filling gaps if any and will consequently strengthen our public health response,” Mr Mandaviya had said at a meeting with Indian Medical Association (IMA).
The drill will focus on parameters such as availability of health facilities in all districts, capacity of isolation beds, oxygen-supported beds, ICU (intensive care unit) beds and ventilator-supported bed.
The Delhi government has approved a budget of ₹ 104 crore for hospitals to buy general medicines as part of preparations to deal with any Covid emergency.
Delhi’s residents will be able to access real-time data on the availability of beds, oxygen cylinders and ventilators on a government portal, starting Tuesday, news agency PTI quoted officials as saying.
Karnataka has introduced precautionary measures by directing the use of masks at theatres and educational institutions. It has also made two doses of Covid vaccination compulsory at bars and restaurants.
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Subramanian asked people to wear masks in crowded places, saying Covid protocol had never been relaxed in the state.
The West Bengal government has said it has a six-point plan that focuses on genomic surveillance, oxygen capacity, testing and emergency responses.
The exercise will focus on parameters such as availability of health facilities in all districts, capacity of isolation beds, oxygen-supported beds, ICU beds and ventilator-supported beds, and optimal availability of doctors, nurses, and paramedics.
The Uttar Pradesh government on Monday activated the administrative machinery to test COVID-19 preparedness and management, including conduct of drills at medical colleges and hospitals across the State, after two fresh cases were reported from Unnao and Agra.
India saw a single-day rise of 196 new coronavirus infections, while the active cases have marginally increased to 3,428, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday. The tally of Covid cases was recorded at 4.46 crore.
