Upgrading its armour against the new Delta-plus variant of coronavirus, the UP government has directed the officials to increase the facility of genome sequencing for its test study.
In this regard, genome sequencing of 100 samples of Covid patients was started at KGMU in Lucknow for an in-depth investigation. The results of these samples will be helpful in making necessary efforts to hedge against the threat of the Delta-plus variant.
“Testing facilities should be increased in medical institutions of Varanasi and Noida on the lines of KGMC and RML in Lucknow. If required, cooperation from the private sectors will also be taken,” said Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath while addressing a high-level meeting in Lucknow on Saturday.
The state government has also instructed the Health department to adopt a proactive and multifaceted approach and formulate a stringent action plan in all districts of the state to tackle the ‘Delta Plus’ variant that could lead to a possible third Corona wave, which is feared to affect children the most.
In view of the possible third wave, the state government has ordered all necessary preventive measures at the earliest. On Friday, there was an increase of 50 Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) beds in Saharanpur taking the total number of such beds in medical colleges across the state to 5869. The Chief Minister has asked Health department officials to expedite the process of setting up PICU / NICU units across the state. “Top priority should be given to the establishment of PICU/NICU beds in all the districts,” he said.
The Yogi government has ensured that there was availability of all necessary equipment including BiPAP machine, Pediatric ICU, mobile X-ray machines in all districts. He also emphasized on direct communication with manufacturing companies to ensure prompt supply. To protect children, who will supposedly be in the high-risk group of the third Corona wave as predicted by experts, the UP government has also initiated sample collection at all bus stands, railway stations and airports to trace the new deadly variant.
Imparting training for Corona cure to doctors and nursing staff in the first phase has been completed, and now they would train other health workers. Also the process of appointment to vacant posts of Pediatric specialists will be completed soon.
Meanwhile on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh achieved yet another milestone in Covid-19 vaccination by crossing 3 crore doses. This included over 13.70 lakh doses given in Lucknow till date and the highest among districts since the drive started in January. During the entire day, more than 8 lakh people were inoculated taking the total vaccinations across the 3 crore mark.
A top health official said, “A drive coined ‘Vaccination for All’ helped the state to further scale up the operations to a large extent. From July, the state aims to administer 10-12 lakh doses a day in order to achieve the target of 10 crore by August end. We have already given 3 crore doses and can deliver another seven crores in the next two months thereby achieving the target of vaccinating 10 crore people.”
The official further said that more than 5000 centers were set to vaccinate people in the 18-45 age group and 3000 centers for those above that age.
“Besides, around 200 booths have been set up for parents of children below 12 years and Pink booths were set up in each district to vaccinate women. Vaccination facilities have also been provided in district hospitals for those going abroad for studies, jobs and participating in sports competitions,” he said.