The newly appointed secretary, health and family welfare, Amit Singh Negi held a video conferencing session with the chief medical officers (CMO) of all districts, chief medical superintendents (CMS) and Principals of all government medical colleges on Saturday.

 In the meeting Negi emphasised the need of preparation of a working plan in every district based on ground situations to tackle any exigency arising from the Covid-19. 

He said that all the returnees should be compulsorily quarantined in their homes as per the guideline of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).  Negi however added that the department should remain prepared for their facility quarantine.

He said that the present situation is also an opportunity to strengthen the health system of the state so that the state is prepared to tackle any kind of emergency situation.

 The secretary directed that the ICU, ventilator, oxygen, medicines and other facilities should be strengthened.

 He said that vigilance at the level of district, block and village level should be upgraded and the health teams and Ahsa workers should earmark all the persons kept in home quarantine.

He also emphasised on digitisation of all the information.

The secretary said that human resource should not pose a hindrance in the Covid-19 control measures and said that the tenure of the workers kept on outsource for three months should be extended till September.

 He also directed the officials to coordinate with the private hospitals, and nursing homes so that their services can be utilised during emergency situation.

 Negi said that he is ready for every possible cooperation but the officials should also come forward and ensure time bound completion of the projects and plans. He also assured free hand to the CMOs and said that they should keep him updated.

Negi said that every resource would be provided to ensure that the success is achieved in the war against Covid-19. The secretary also directed the officials to make necessary preparation to tackle the menace of Dengue.

The meeting was also attended by secretary in charge health, Dr Pankaj Kumar Pandey, additional secretary, Yugal Kishore Pant and Director General (DG) state health services, Dr Amita Upreti.