Secy health reviews Covid-19 preparedness in J&K

Srinagar, March 28: As India is witnessing rise in daily Covid-19 cases, Administrative Secretary, Health and Medical Education (H&ME) Department, Bhupinder Kumar on Tuesday virtually reviewed Covid-19 and public health preparedness in Jammu and Kashmir in a high-level meeting.
While taking a review of the Covid-19 and public health preparedness, Kumar directed all the heads of the institutions to be in the ready mode to meet any kind of eventuality.
Like in other parts of the country, the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department would conduct a mock drill in all hospitals for an emergency response to deal with Covid-19 cases on April 10 and 11 as a precautionary measure.
The mock drill will be held to ensure the operational readiness of the Covid-dedicated facilities, with a specific focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources.
“We will check oxygen supplies, facilities, oxygen concentrators and plants, cylinders, ICU facilities, Covid-19 wards, testing facilities, drugs and other related facilities,” he said.
He also said that oxygen plants in all district and sub-district hospitals would again start to check whether these are in working mode or not.
Kumar also directed the heads of the hospitals to assess the availability of drugs and testing kits in all the hospitals in Jammu and Kashmir
“The concerned officials and officers have been asked to remain alert and continue the testing of suspected cases in all the hospitals,” he said.
During the meeting, it was stressed to follow Covid-appropriate behavior and maintain respiratory hygiene as a precautionary measure.