Omicron: Jagan directs officials to conduct RT-PCR tests in all AP airports

Amaravati: A day after Andhra Pradesh reported its first Omicron case, Chief Minister Y.S Jagan Mohan Reddy has directed the medical and health department to conduct RT-PCR tests at all airports in the state and take necessary precautions when any foreign traveller tests positive for COVID-19.

On Monday, Jagan held a review meeting with the officials of the medical and health department and other officials from various departments.

In view of the Omicron threat, the state is making efforts to ensure that every individual receives two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Jagan has asked the medical teams to complete administering two doses of the vaccine for the prescribed age groups by January 2021. The state has so far administered 6.43 crore doses and 95% of the population above 18 years have received the first dose and 65% the second dose.

Making necessary precautions to handle the third wave, the CM has asked the officials to set up oxygen generation plants in all private hospitals with more than 100 beds across the state.

Speaking about the new medical services to start in government hospitals in the state, Jagan said the government will spend Rs. 37.03 crore to set up new MRI testing facility in Visakhapatnam; MRI, cath lab in Kakinada; cath lab in Kurnool; and ophthalmology and ENT services in Araku, Paderu government hospitals.

Jagan proposed developing three specialty hospitals for cancer patients in the state to make sure that every patient can get treated in the state rather than going to other states. In addition, cancer patients will be given treatment and other medical services under Arogyasri Scheme, he said, adding that the state will soon get three children's hospitals.

As per the data available, the state has 1,912 active COVID-19 cases being treated in hospitals and under home quarantine. The recovery rate stands at 99.2%.