Buoyed by a higher number of recoveries than fresh Covid cases across the state, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said that the spread of viral infection was under control as more people were getting cured.
Chairing a meeting of the newly-constituted Team-9 for Covid management in Lucknow on Saturday, Yogi said, “During the last 24 hours, 30,317 fresh cases were recorded in the state while 38,826 people were cured and discharged from hospitals. The situation is getting better with infection rate decreasing and recovery rate increasing. However, we have to keep the policy of ‘Test, Track and Treat’ very efficient and effective. It is very important that residents of the state make Covid precautions a part of their lifestyle.”
On testing of samples, the CM said that 2.66 lakh Covid tests were conducted across the state in the last 24 hours. Of these, 1.14 lakh were conducted through RT-PCR. Till date, a total of 4.10 crore tests have been conducted in UP which is the highest in the country. He, however, stressed that number of rapid antigen tests need to be increased at the CHC and PHC level.
The process of Covid vaccination of people above 18 years of age also started in Uttar Pradesh on Saturday. “In view of the efforts to keep vaccine wastage to a minimum, people aged 18-44 years are being vaccinated at 85 centres in seven districts with high infection rates. Besides, the vaccination for people above 45 years of age is on at 2,500 centers across the state,” he said.
The chief minister also highlighted that the adequate supply of oxygen was being ensured in the state.
“All necessary efforts are being made to balance the demand and supply of the lifesaving fluid. Oxygen is being supplied from Jamnagar (Gujarat), Durgapur, Barjora (West Bengal) and Rourkela. Private hospitals are also being supplied directly. A new oxygen plant started working in Agra on Saturday. The status of all districts be monitored directly from the government level,” he said.
“Oxygen plants are also being set up by the Central government. Along with this we also need to explore new options. Interact with experts from technical institutes, including IIT-Kanpur, to explore the possibilities of converting nitrogen to oxygen. A crusher unit in Jhansi has started the production of oxygen. Oxygen can also be manufactured with some technical support in sugar mills in consultation with experts.”
Expressing his concern of the shortage of doctors and para medical staff to cope with increased hospital beds and patients, Yogi said, “In the midst of changing circumstances, we will need trained human resources in hospitals. In such a situation, services of ex-servicemen, retired doctors, retired army personnel, experienced paramedical staff, medical/paramedical final year students should be taken. It may be better to make efforts like a manpower bank in the state. Human resources will be made available wherever required. The Medical Education Minister should ensure action in this direction.”
