Testing, tracing, isolating and quarantine should be our first priority,’ PM Modi tells CMs via video conference
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had informed all the Chief Ministers, in his second video conference on Thursday that it was “important to formulate a common exit strategy to ensure staggered re-emergence of the population once the lockdown ends.”
‘Save every Indian’
Mr. Modi emphasized that it should be the collective goal of all to “save every Indian”. He asked the States to think about ways and means as to how they would do it and send suggestions for the exit strategy.
Must do steps
Mr. Modi listed out few definite ‘must do steps’ that has to be taken as the nation entered the second week of a total lockdown. “Our first priority for the next few weeks should be testing, tracing, isolating and quarantine. For this all State to district level efforts must be coordinated,” the Prime Minister pointed out.
Surveillance officers
Mr. Modi urged that district-level disease surveillance officers should be appointed as soon as possible. This surveillance made by them would make sure that penetration of this strategy is to the optimum. Furthermore, the data collected from private laboratories which were allowed to test should also be collected. Thus, making the data accurate. In addition to this, the data should be collated district-wise. Hence this data could be utilized to tackle the pandemic with further strategies.
Seamless supply of medical equipment
Mr. Modi emphasised that the supply lines for medical equipment and drugs should be seamless. The planning for raw materials needed for the manufacture of these products should be flawless. The supply of these should be even more than supplies of other products.
Online training
“Every State should ensure that there are separate hospitals for COVID-19 patients and the doctors attending them need to be protected. I would also urge you to step up online training of doctors in the treatment of COVID-19,” added the Prime Minister.
Harvest season
As this season is the harvest season in many parts of the country, farmers and labourers, are exempted from the lockdown. He has suggested that the farmers and labourers engaged in harvest operations should maintain some social distancing even on fields. “As for procurement, we must find ways to do it beyond the route of Agricultural Produce Marketing Corporations (APMC). A truck pooling scheme should also be worked out with farmers for ferrying produce to the market. Harvesting will possibly need to be done in a staggering manner,” he is reported to have said.
State Disaster Relief Fund
Every state would receive ₹11,000 crore from the State Disaster Relief Fund, from the Centre by this month. This money should be used for efforts to fight COVID-19. “The monies and grains released under the Pradhan Mantri Gareeb Kalyan Yojana should be disbursed speedily,” he said.
NCC & NSS
Significantly, he also instructed the Chief Ministers to recruit volunteers of the National Cadet Corps and the National Service Scheme to combat COVID-19. “Other than this, crisis management groups should coordinate with as many NGOs as possible and strategies should be shared with all stakeholders as we need everyone’s help at this time,” he said.
Ayurveda
Mr. Modi also urged the States to educate people on immunity boosting methods. The traditional systems of medicines in India such as Ayurveda should be promoted. He reminded that fatalities were high among those whose immunity had been compromised. “These are our traditional ways of boosting immunity,” he said pointing to the fact that an advisory by the AYUSH Ministry were issued instructions in this regard.
