Government to increase the testing of people amid surge in covid-19
By: Javeed Bhat CK
Srinagar
In a high level meeting, the government has decided to increase the rate of RT-PCR tests to prevent the spread of COVId-19 in Jammu and Kashmir, even as on daily basis hundreds of people are testing positive to the infection.
According to the official Commissioner Secretary Health Atal Dulloo while chairing a meeting with senior officers of the Health Department regarding Covid-19 management in Jammu. The meeting was called to discuss issues like availability of general and oxygen supported beds in hospitals of J&K.
Speaking to the officers, the Financial Commissioner said that the capacity to conduct RT-PCR tests should be increased in excess of at least 10 thousand tests.
He set a target of immediate functioning of minimum 18 oxygen generation plants in Kashmir division and 5 such plants in Jammu division. He also directed that an officer be deputed to look after availability of these facilities in government hospitals in both the divisions, said an official.
The Financial Commissioner assured availability of additional medical staff whenever and wherever required. He also directed Directors of Health from both the divisions to visit designated Covid hospitals and ensure availability of all facilities round the clock.
The CMOs were directed to complete forthwith pending works pertaining to Covid mitigation.
Financial Commissioner directed that intensive care teams be deputed at Category 1 dedicated Covid hospitals. In addition to these teams the health department was also directed to ensure availability of ICU beds, ventilators and portable ventilators in the next couple of days.
For Category 2 Covid health centres, round the clock presence of a physician, ECG machine, oxygen cylinders, and oxygen manifold and bedside monitors was also mandated.
In Covid Care Centres, the availability of isolation beds, bedding, oxygen concentrator, BP apparatus, pulse oxymeters, nebulizers, non contact thermometers, PPE kits and hypochlorite solution is to be ensured by the health department. These facilities are to be given to patients who lack space for home quarantine.
He also sought district wise data about availability of isolation beds, supported beds, ICU beds and ventilators. Further details regarding the number of hospitals in both the divisions and their capacity was also shared by officials with the Financial Commissioner and was informed about the efforts of the health employees to keep the pace with the spread of infection.
