Health Minister Urges 'Whole of Government' Approach as COVID-19 Cases Rise

In response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya led a high-level virtual meeting with state Health Ministers to assess the nation's pandemic status and preparedness. The meeting took place against the backdrop of growing concerns about the spread of the virus.

During the discussion, Mandaviya emphasized the need for a unified "Whole of Government" approach, stressing the importance of cooperation among states. He urged proactive measures, including regular mock drills to assess hospital readiness, heightened surveillance, and effective communication with the public. Mandaviya assured the full support of the Central government to the states in their efforts to combat the pandemic.

The Health Minister also highlighted the significance of preventive measures during the cold winter season and upcoming festival season, emphasizing that health should transcend politics. Alongside Mandaviya, MoS (Health) Prof SP Singh Baghel, Dr. Bharati Pawar, Health Minister of Uttarakhand, Dr. Dhan Singh Rawat, ICMR DG Dr. Rajeev Bahl, and Dr. V K Paul, Member (Health) NITI Aayog, were among those present during this crucial meeting.

As the nation grapples with the ongoing crisis, Kerala reported 292 new COVID-19 cases and three fatalities in the last 24 hours, further highlighting the need for concerted efforts in battling the pandemic.