As a result of an exponential rise in the number of coronavirus cases, the Punjab government has decided to appoint young IAS officers as nodal officers in Amritsar and Patiala to effectively manage the rising caseload in the two Government Medical Colleges.
Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has also tasked the IAS officers with coordinating between the hospitals in the respective districts and the state government’s expert health advisory committee headed by Dr K.K. Talwar, besides managing the dayto-day functional needs and challenges relating to Covid-19 testing, isolation, hospitalisation, treatment, and discharge.
The IAS officers will also coordinate with private sector hospitals to provide better treatment to Covid-19 patients. The nodal officers will ensure that patients do not face any hassle or problem at any stage, and in the unfortunate event of the death of a Covid-19 patient, will also facilitate cremation/burial as per the ICMR protocols and guidelines.
Chief Secretary Vini Mahajan has also directed all DCs to identify dynamic young officers in their districts to track each and every Covid-19 patient and coordinate their treatment and care and ensure timely and efficient healthcare facilities.