Highlights
- Union Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan spoke about post COVID challenges
- Dr Vardhan spoke about India’s fight against COVID19; lauded COVID warriors
- Dr Vardhan called to curtail deaths from diseases that can be eliminated
New Delhi: Noting the global shortages of medicines amid the pandemic, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan on Saturday (January 9) said that the world needs a fresh roadmap to address global shortages of essential medicines and vaccines. “We (world) need an aggressive roadmap to curtail deaths from diseases that can be eliminated. We need a fresh roadmap to address global shortages of medicines and vaccines. I would like to work with all of you on these goals and roadmaps. Constant engagement with all of you who carry vast experiences of many countries will reinforce reforms and help accelerate progress towards achieving sustainable development goals,” said Health Minister who chaired the plenary session on “Challenges of Post COVID – Scenario in Health, Economy, Social and International Relations” of the annual conference of the Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas (PBD).
Also Read: Amid Short Supplies, Vaccine Doses Can Be Six Weeks Apart, Says WHO
On the theme of ‘Facing Post-COVID challenges”, Dr Vardhan said,
The current pandemic has demonstrated the vulnerability of humankind to exigencies, recognizing that we have to strive to act with greater speed and predictability. The pandemic has made humanity acutely aware of the consequences of ignoring the strengthening and preparedness of our healthcare systems.
Dr Vardhan underscored the Post-Covid challenges, strategies and International Relations. He stated,
As the largest global supplier and producer of 60 per cent of the world vaccines, India recognizes its strategic position in the global south and the world. India is spearheading international dialogue in global organizations like the WHO, GAVI, GDHP, Geneva Health Forum, and BRICS.
Also Read: Cutting COVID-19 Infectious Period Even By One Day Could Prevent Millions Of Cases, Study Says
Speaking on how India has combated COVID-19, Dr Vardhan said,
India has reported nearly 1.04 crore confirmed cases and 1.50 lakh deaths with a Case Fatality Rate of 1.45. As many as 96.41 per cent of cases have recovered which is amongst the highest in the world. With our endeavour to manage COVID-19 through a whole of government and whole of society approach, India has been able to limit its cases to 7,533 cases per million and deaths to 109 deaths per million population both of which are among the lowest in the world.
Highlighting the political commitment of India’s leadership, he said, “Under the overall guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government swung into action and had the first meeting on the novel virus on 8th January last year.”
Also Read: Experts Explain The Objective Behind India’s COVID Vaccine Dry Run
The Minister also lauded the work of frontline workers and expressed his deep gratitude towards them:
Despite various constraints and challenges, our COVID warriors rose to the occasion and served humanity. The country feels indebted to the doctors, nurses, paramedics, frontline field workers, security and police personnel, sanitary workers, volunteers and journalists who have worked tirelessly to protect our countrymen from COVID.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
NDTV – Dettol Banega Swasth India campaign is an extension of the five-year-old Banega Swachh India initiative helmed by Campaign Ambassador Amitabh Bachchan. It aims to spread awareness about critical health issues facing the country. In wake of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the need for WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) is reaffirmed as handwashing is one of the ways to prevent Coronavirus infection and other diseases. The campaign highlights the importance of nutrition and healthcare for women and children to prevent maternal and child mortality, fight malnutrition, stunting, wasting, anaemia and disease prevention through vaccines. Importance of programmes like Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-day Meal Scheme, POSHAN Abhiyan and the role of Aganwadis and ASHA workers are also covered. Only a Swachh or clean India where toilets are used and open defecation free (ODF) status achieved as part of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014, can eradicate diseases like diahorrea and become a Swasth or healthy India. The campaign will continue to cover issues like air pollution, waste management, plastic ban, manual scavenging and sanitation workers and menstrual hygiene.
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