3-day mock drill to check Covid-19 readiness
Tribune News Service
Patiala, August 7
The state government has asked all Civil Surgeons to conduct a three-day mock drill to check preparedness to tackle Covid-19.
The Civil Surgeons have been asked to ensure availability of sufficient beds, medical staff, doctors, functioning of oxygen plants and essential medicine in case of outbreak of the pandemic.
In a letter dated August 6, the Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Punjab, has directed Civil Surgeons in all districts to check preparedness for outbreak and “submit a report in this regard”. The letter further states that mock drills be conducted across all public healthcare facilities from August 20 to 22 for preparedness of outbreak and a detailed prescribed report be submitted to the office by the respective Civil Surgeon.
A senior Health Department official said the drill aimed at reviewing and ensuring proper arrangements for testing and treatment of patients. “It is important to hold a mock drill to check the preparedness,” he said.
“Such mock drills help us know the exact position and also reveal critical issues, such as availability of medicine and health officials, any drop in oxygen purity, non-functional valves, and incomplete installation of oxygen infrastructure. The government is quite serious about the maintenance of oxygen infrastructure and other medical facilities and to know any shortcomings through these drills,” said another health official.
In December 2023, following a sudden rise in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Union Health Ministry had urged the states to remain alert and be prepared against new and emerging strains of Covid-19. The ministry had then called for the need for joint efforts between the Centre and states to ensure efficient management of the virus by conducting periodical mock drills at both the central and state levels.
The Union Health Ministry had also urged all states to remain alert, increase surveillance and ensure adequate stock of medicines, oxygen cylinders and concentrators, ventilators and vaccines.
