COVID-19: Andhra Pradesh plans to screen every household within 90 days

Vijayawada: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy, on 22 June, instructed officials to conduct comprehensive screening for all households in the state within 90 days.

During a review meeting to discuss measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 here on Monday, the Chief Minister told officials to screen every family in the state and take samples wherever necessary. He asked them to use the 104 ambulance service for the purpose. People with diabetes, BP, and other chronic ailments should also be screened and the ambulances should carry adequate equipment and medicines, Jagan instructed the officials.

Jagan said a separate strategy should be adopted for urban areas and urban health clinics should be formed, fully equipped with medical staff. The officials informed the CM that as of now more than 24,000 tests are being conducted in the state per day and said priority is given to people above 60 years and people above 40 years who are suffering from chronic ailments. The mortality rate in the state has been decreasing, the officials said, adding, people living in containment zones and high-risk areas are also being given preference. Random tests are being conducted in industrial and trade centres, temples, and market yards, they said.

The Chief Minister also asked officials to create awareness among people and remove the stigma associated with the virus. He asked them to erect hoardings for the purpose. One 104 ambulance should be available per mandal and the team should comprise ANMs, Asha workers, and village volunteers, Jagan informed the officials, adding that all village secretariats should display the procedure and details of people who can be approached for COVID-related queries.

Meanwhile, the officials said the medical data of patients will be encrypted in a health card with a QR code so that they do not have to carry their reports all the time. Of the 1.42 crore health cards, about 1.20 crore have been distributed and the rest will be distributed soon, the officials said.

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