Work to reduce deaths due to COVID-19: Dr Raut to officers
| Date :01-Aug-2020 |
Dr Nitin Raut, Guardian Minister, looks on as Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Divisional Commissioner, interacting with senior officers including Dr Bhushan Kumar Upadhyay, CP; Tukaram Mundhe, Municipal Commissioner; Ravindra Thakare, District Collector, and others.
Staff Reporter ;
Dr Nitin Raut, Guardian Minister of district, expressed concern over the increase in spread of COVID-19 in the district in July as compared to June. Stressing that lockdown was not an option, he asked the senior officers to work in a co- ordinated manner to reduce number of deaths in Nagpur city as well as rural areas. At the same time, he said, people must be sensitised about maintaining self-discipline. Dr Raut issued the directions in a meeting held at Divisional Commissionerate here on Friday to take stock of the COVID-19 situation.
He asked the officers concerned to prepare a ‘smart action plan’ to contain the spread of COVID-19. He advised to conduct antigen test of each patient admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Dr Raut, who is Energy Minister of Maharashtra, suggested to Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited to send COVID-19 awareness messages to mobile numbers of consumers. He discussed seeking help of Anganwadi workers and helpers in creating awareness among people.
Also, he asked the social and voluntary organisations and Police Department to submit a co-ordinated action plan. Dr Sanjeev Kumar, Divisional Commissioner; Dr Bhushankumar Upadhyay, Commissioner of Police; Tukaram Mundhe, Municipal Commissioner; Ravindra Thakare, District Collector; Yogesh Kumbhejkar, Chief Executive Officer of Zilla Parishad; Rakesh Ola, Superintendent of Police, Nagpur Rural; Hemraj Bagul, Director, Information and Public Relations; Dr Sanjay Jaiswal, Deputy Director, Health Services; Dr Sajal Mitra, Dean of GMCH; Dr Devendra Paturkar, Civil Surgeon; and Dr Deepak Selokar were present prominently. Dr Sajal Mitra highlighted the need for additional manpower to tackle the increasing number of patients. Especially, he said, Class-III and Class-IV employees were needed in greater numbers. Dr Raut, in response, said that manpower should be made available through private agency during this pandemic period. However, it should be checked if the said agencies have equipment needed for cleanliness and sanitation, he added.
A presentation was made on roping in willing social and voluntary organisations to work with the administration in battle against COVID-19. An organisation submitted a plan for working as foot soldier, operating call centre, paramedical and help-desk duties etc. After the meeting, Dr Raut also held a discussion with office-bearers of VIA and said that it was time to move the wheels of economy. He stressed that lockdown was not an option and that the people must follow self-discipline. Also, he appealed to people not to believe in rumours circulating on social media platforms.