COVID warning caused by an increase in infections in various nations, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare agreed on Saturday to organize simulated drills at all healthcare facilities throughout the nation on December 27.
This is to assure readiness in the event of an increase in COVID cases in India, including the availability of oxygen support and ICU beds among other preparedness measures.
The Ministry of Health stated in a letter dated December 24 and duly signed by Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan that it is essential that all States, UTs put the necessary public health measures in place to handle any emergencies.
The Ministry also emphasized the need for COVID health facilities to be ready to help the states meet any spikes in clinical care demand.
Therefore, it has been planned to undertake simulated drills on Tuesday, December 27, 2022, at all health facilities including those that have been classified as COVID-dedicated health facilities, according to the Ministry.
The Ministry states that the exercise’s goal is to make sure these healthcare facilities are operationally prepared for the management of COVID.
The main emphasis, according to the description of the criteria during the mock drills, will be on the bed capacity at the medical institutions, including isolation, oxygen-supported, and ICU beds.
“Health facilities are geographically accessible and available in all districts. Bed capacities include those for isolation beds with oxygen support, ICU beds, and ventilator-supported beds.
The best possible accessibility of human resources, such as physicians, nurses, and paramedics, will also be a focus. ASHAs, Anganwadi workers, and other front-line personnel such as AYUSH practitioners.
Ability of human resources. Healthcare employees who have received training in the operation of PSA plants, COVID-19 management, and ventilatory management protocol for severe cases, among other things.
Services for referrals include the availability of Advanced and Basic Life Support ambulances, other ambulances in PPP mode or working with NGOs, and a functioning ambulance call Centre.
The emphasis will be on increasing the testing capacity, accessibility of RT-PCR and RAT kits, and accessibility of testing reagents and equipment.
“Access to logistics. availability of vital supplies, including N-95 masks, ventilators, BIPAP, SPO2 systems, PPE kits, and ventilators “announced the Ministry.
“oxygen concentrators, oxygen cylinders, and PSA plants for medical use. Medical gas pipeline systems, liquid medical oxygen storage tanks, etc “It was ad.
The Ministry advised that the mock drill might be carried out under the supervision of the appropriate district collectors and district magistrates in close coordination with employees of the State, UT Health Department.
Mansukh Mandaviya, the Union Minister of Health, had earlier declared on Saturday that travelers from five nations, including China, would henceforth be required to submit to an RT-PCR test.
For travelers arriving from China, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, and Thailand, the RT-PCR test will be required.
Any traveler from these nations who exhibits symptoms upon arrival or tests positive for the Covid-19 virus will be placed under quarantine, Minister of Health Mandaviya claimed.
Mandaviya stated that the nation must be aware and completely prepared for COVID management while presiding over a virtual conference on Friday with the state’s health ministers, Principal Secretaries, Additional Chief Secretaries, and Information Commissioners.
The meeting was held to review public health preparedness for containment and management of COVID-19 and the status of the national COVID-19 vaccination campaign in light of the recent upsurge in cases in some countries, including China, Japan, Brazil, and the United States.
Union Minister of State for Health Bharati Pravin Pawar and NITI Aayog member V K Paul attended.
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