As the country reels with a fresh wave of Covid-19 cases, the Central government is fighting a war on two fronts—keeping the rising numbers in check and getting everyone vaccinated in time. Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Ashwini Kumar Choubey spoke to The Sunday Guardian on the same. Excerpts:
Q: The country is seeing a fresh wave of corona cases. What do you have to say about it?
A: The state and Central governments are working hard to handle the situation. The mantra of ‘Test, Track and Treat’ is being implemented. We are on high alert and there are review meetings being held on a daily basis. Only a day before yesterday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sat down for a meeting on the same. We are issuing fresh guidelines to be followed so that there is no laxity in getting control over these increasing cases. The festival of Holi is just around the corner and we are ensuring people celebrate it in a way that does not lead to the further spread of the virus.
Q: States like Maharashtra, which is at the centre of this new wave, are alleging that the Centre is not giving them enough doses of vaccine.
A: That is a lie, it is completely unsubstantiated. We are maintaining a daily schedule of how much vaccine is required, where all it is required, and how much more they would need in coming days. We are working according to the requirement so that no wastage takes place. Since the beginning of this pandemic, the Central government has never shown any kind of bias towards any state.
Q: Do you see states achieving their vaccination targets, or is there still a fear among the people about it?
A: There is no need to be fearful. We have created enough awareness to elevate any fears. This is despite some members of the Opposition trying hard to spread misinformation. The talk by the Opposition did hamper progress but we have managed to get past it now. It is the state’s prerogative to ensure that everyone is vaccinated according to the guidelines laid down. The vaccine is Godsent and people should look at it like ‘prasadam’.