Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Taking cognizance on the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country, the Uttarakhand Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr R Rajesh Kumar has instructed their officials to stay alert and be ready to handle any potential emergency situation. The meeting was attended by senior officials including Director General Medical Dr. Sunita Tamta, Director Medical Education Dr. Ashutosh Sayana, and other district and institutional heads.
Dr. Kumar emphasized that while the COVID-19 situation in Uttarakhand remains under control, complete preparedness is essential. “There is no reason to panic, but we must remain vigilant,” he said. The health secretary assured that the government is ensuring availability of all necessary resources in hospitals and health centers, including isolation beds, oxygen supply, ventilators, ICU beds, and trained personnel.
All government and private hospitals and medical colleges have been directed to maintain adequate stock of oxygen cylinders, concentrators, BiPAP machines, essential medicines, and functional oxygen generation plants. Districts have been instructed to strengthen surveillance, ensure availability of rapid test kits and RT-PCR testing facilities, and report all cases of ILI (Influenza-like Illness), SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection), and COVID-19 on the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP).
Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have been instructed to stay fully prepared and trained. All symptomatic patients will be tested, and COVID-positive samples will be sent for Whole Genome Sequencing to track emerging variants.
The state will also retrain all frontline health workers and initiate a comprehensive public awareness campaign. Citizens are urged to follow COVID-appropriate behavior, such as wearing masks, maintaining hygiene, avoiding crowds, and seeking medical help if symptoms arise.
The government issued clear do’s and don’ts to prevent infection, including covering nose and mouth while coughing, frequent hand washing, and avoiding contact with symptomatic individuals.
Dr. Kumar concluded, “This is a time for discipline and unity. The government is fully committed to protecting public health. Let’s work together responsibly and not fall for rumors.”
