Uttarakhand Health Secretary reviews state’s COVID-19 preparedness

In a high-level review meeting held on Monday, Dr. R Rajesh Kumar, Uttarakhand's State Secretary of Medical Health and Medical Education, assessed the state's readiness for COVID-19 management amid rising cases across the country.

He chaired the meeting with senior officials and directed them to stay fully prepared for any potential emergency, stressing that “there should be no negligence at any level.”

Dr. Kumar instructed that all systems related to COVID-19 management in the state must be fully functional and efficient. The meeting was attended by key health officials, including Director General of Medical Health Dr. Sunita Tamta, Director of Medical Education Dr. Ashutosh Sayana, Assistant Director Dr. Pankaj Singh, Dehradun Chief Medical Officer Dr. Manoj Sharma, and Chief Medical Superintendent of Doon Medical College Dr. R.S. Bisht.

Highlighting the state's proactive approach, Dr. Kumar noted that while the current situation in Uttarakhand is stable, preparations must remain robust. “The situation in the state is under control right now, but we must be prepared for any potential challenge. At this time, there is no need to panic, but to be cautious and vigilant,” he said.

He assured that all hospitals, health centers, and medical colleges would be equipped with essential COVID-19 resources. “Our effort is to ensure the availability of all necessary resources related to COVID-19 in every hospital, health centers and medical college in the state. Whether it is isolation beds, oxygen supply or availability of trained health workers,” he added.

To ensure swift response, Dr. Kumar mentioned that surveillance systems are being enhanced and testing capacity is being strengthened. “Our rapid response teams are trained and ready,” he stated.

Appealing to the public, he urged, “I urge citizens to stay away from rumours and follow the Health Department's guidelines.”

To prevent the spread of the virus, the Health Department has reiterated guidelines such as wearing masks, maintaining hand hygiene, avoiding crowds, and seeking immediate medical attention upon experiencing symptoms.

All government and private hospitals and medical colleges have been instructed to treat COVID-19 patients and ensure adequate infrastructure including isolation beds, oxygen cylinders, concentrators, ventilators, BiPAP machines, ICU beds, oxygen generation plants, and essential medicines.

District authorities have been asked to further strengthen surveillance and ensure testing centres are stocked with rapid test kits and RT-PCR kits. All cases of ILI (influenza-like illness), SARI (severe acute respiratory infection), and COVID-19 must be reported and continuously monitored.

Furthermore, both government and private labs must update case reports daily on the Integrated Health Information Portal (IHIP). Rapid response teams under the IDSP program are to remain trained and alert to tackle any unforeseen situation.

The health department has mandated compulsory testing for symptomatic individuals, with positive samples to be sent for Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) to track any mutations of concern.