AP govt announced Rs 15,000 for last rites of COVID victim

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy, on 14 July, said that no hospital should turn away COVID-19 patients. Strict action will be taken against hospitals that refuse to treat the patients, he said.

He also announced that the state would give Rs. 15,000 to conduct the last rites of deceased patients and instructed officials to launch a one-week special drive to provide quality services at quarantine centres.

During a review meeting held here on Tuesday, the Chief Minister stressed the need to improve preventive measures and said every quarantine centre should display the call centre number where people can lodge their complaints if any. Officials should take feedback regularly, he said.

He asked officials to create awareness among people regarding the need for and availability of tests. They should also be informed of the procedure to be followed in case they suspect that they have symptoms of the virus. The tests should be conducted as per the standard operating procedure.

The officials informed Jagan that tests are being conducted in containment zones after tracing the contacts. Patients showing up at an advanced stage was one of the main reasons for the deaths, they said.

The Chief Minister has also asked the officials to prepare an action plan keeping future needs in view. The latter said that a database with details of medical staff is ready and the services of over 17,000 doctors and over 12,000 nurses could be required in the coming days. The Chief Minister has approved the action plan.

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for medical and health Alla Nani, chief secretary Neelam Sawhney, DGP Goutham Sawang, medical and health special chief secretary K.S Jawar Reddy, and other officials attended the meeting.