PM Narendra Modi chairs high level meeting amid emergence of new Covid-19 variant; takes stock of vaccination progress

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday chaired a comprehensive meeting to review the public health preparedness and vaccination related situation for Covid-19. The meeting lasted for almost 2 hours, a government release said.

The PM was briefed about the global trends on Covid-19 infections and cases. While the officials apprised the Prime Minister on how countries across the world have experienced multiple COVID-19 surges since the onset of the pandemic, he was also informed about the national situation relating to Covid-19 cases and test positivity rates. 

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The PM also took stock of the progress in vaccination and the efforts being made under the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign.

The PM directed officials on the need to increase the second dose coverage. He also emphasised on the need to sensitise states for ensuring timely vaccination of second dose by those who have already had their first dose.

PM Modi was also given details about the sero-positivity in the country from time to time and its implications in public health response.

Officials briefed PM about the new Variant of Concern ‘Omicron’ along with its characteristics and the impact seen in various countries. Its implications for India were also discussed.

The Prime Minister emphasised on the need to remain cautious with proper precautions like masking and social distancing being in place.

He also highlighted the need for monitoring all international arrivals, their testing as per guidelines, with a specific focus on countries identified ‘at risk’.

PM also asked officials to review plans for easing of international travel restrictions amid the emerging new evidence.

PM asked officials to co-ordinate with states to endure proper functioning of PSA oxygen plants & ventilators.

The officials also briefed Modi on the facilitative approach to newer pharmaceutical products. The PM instructed officials to coordinate with states to ensure that there is adequate buffer stocks of various medicines.

He also asked officials to work with the states to review the functioning of medical infrastructure including pediatric facilities, the release said.