From district flying squads to oxygen audit: Jagan reviews state's COVID preparedness

Cluster in-charges and district-level flying squad

To further strengthen the state command and control room, Jagan said the collectors should ensure that the appointment of cluster in-charges and district-level flying squad is completed and functioning effectively.

He also said that senior officials at the district level be appointed to guide the collectors during the pandemic while the joint collectors should focus completely on the effective functioning of the government hospitals as well as Aarogya Sri hospitals. "Instructions have been issued to appoint adequate number of medical and paramedical personnel. Adequate funds were released for payments of all pending COVID-related bills. The collectors should personally ensure that all bills are uploaded as early as possible. We need to ensure that people are following COVID-appropriate behavior. Several restrictions were already imposed like prohibition of gatherings of more than 50 people. Lockdown is not the solution to the pandemic," the CM said.

Jagan said there was a need to ramp up testing. He also stressed the need to ensure that each and every COVID death is analyzed and appropriate action taken in terms of clinical practices, such as ensuring that serious cases are being reported to the hospital on time.

Vaccination

Reiterating the fact that long-term solution to the pandemic lies in effectively vaccinating all eligible population as early as possible, the CM pointed out that as of 27 April, 11,30,674 people have been vaccinated with both doses and 45,47,958 have been given the first dose. "We are making arrangements to procure enough vaccines to cover 2.04 crore population between the age of 18-45," Jagan added.

Oxygen audit in all hospitals

The Chief Minister said that at present, 320-340 metric tonnes of liquid oxygen is being supplied to all hospitals in the state. While there has been no shortage so far, there is a need to reduce wastage, he said while directing the officials to ensure that only those who qualify as per the prescribed protocol is administered oxygen. Jagan instructed officials to carry out an oxygen audit in each hospital so that all patients who require oxygen can be accommodated.

104 call center

Jagan instructed the collectors to ensure the effective functioning of district 104 call centres that operate as a one-stop solution for all COVID-related issues. On average, 104 centres receive 6,500 calls every day. "The collectors should also ensure that there are adequate numbers of COVID care centres. As of now, 59 such centres are operational in the districts with 33,327 beds. The collectors should also ensure that quality food is being provided and other provisions like sanitation, medications, and help desks are taken care of," the CM said.