PM Modi holds COVID-19 review meeting via video conferencing with Chief Ministers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Chief Ministers of states via video conferencing to discuss measures to combat COVID-19 today. Prime Minister Modi thanked the States for supporting the decision

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with Chief Ministers of states via video conferencing to discuss measures to combat COVID-19 today.

Prime Minister Modi thanked the States for supporting the decision of lockdown. He also praised how all the States have worked together as a team to check the spread of the virus. He however forewarned that the global situation remains far from satisfactory and informed about speculations of a possible second wave of spread of the virus in some countries.

Prime Minister Modi outlined that the common goal for the country is to ensure minimum loss of life.

In the next few weeks, testing, tracing, isolation and quarantine should remain the areas of focus, he said. He highlighted the necessity of maintaining supply of essential medical products, availability of raw material for manufacture of medicines and medical equipment. He said it is necessary to ensure availability of separate, dedicated hospital facilities for COVID-19 patients.

To increase the availability of doctors, he asked the States to tap into the resource pool of AYUSH doctors, organize online training and utilize para-medical staff, NCC and NSS volunteers.

Underscoring the importance of coordinated action and the need to avoid overlaps in efforts of stakeholders, Prime Minister Modi talked about the need of setting up Crisis Management Groups at district level and appointment of District Surveillance Officers. He said that data must be taken from the accredited labs for testing – this will ensure congruence in data of district, state and centre. He said it is necessary to ensure staggered release of funds to the beneficiaries under PM Garib Kalyan Yojana to avoid crowding at banks.

Prime Minister said that considering that this is the time to harvest crops, the government has given some relaxation from lockdown but it is necessary to continuously monitor and maintain social distancing as much as possible.

COMMENTS