In a conversation with NewsX on Friday, Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Prabhuram Choudhary spoke about tackling Covid-19 cases, the status of vaccines, black fungus cases posing as a healthcare challenge and more.
Excerpts:
Q. How is the state ensuring lesser deaths and positive rates?
We have prepared on a war footing level and ensured better medical facilities for every walk of society. We have put stringent control on corruption cases regarding Covid-19 drugs. Beds, oxygen tanks, injections, and other essential health care equipment were provided to the hospitals at the correct time due to which we could control the situation.
Q. Was Covid curfew the most effective way to control coronavirus cases?
Yes, it helps in breaking the Covid chain and ensures lesser positivity rates. We have seen this earlier too and credible studies have indicated towards Covid curfew to be one of the most substantial ways of stopping Covid-19 spread.
Q. What’s the status of vaccines in your state?
We are using vaccines which we are getting from the Centre. Primarily, we vaccinated healthcare workers and since 5 May, we started vaccinated adults and this is being done on a war footing zone. We are educating civilians also to come forward and get vaccinated.
Q. Another healthcare challenge we are facing is White and Black Fungus? What are your views on it?
We have constituted important units consisting of healthcare experts to study and present the analysis on Black and White Fungus. We have also urged all those who are researching on the subject must come forward and share their insights too if they have something credible.
Q. We observed a massive deficiency of oxygen tanks, beds, injections etc. Now, how is the state ensuring that such chaos will not be repeated while tackling White and Black Fungus?
In the leadership of our Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan, we are ensuring these basic needs to every government and private hospital. While coping with Black Fungus it is being observed that M4 Teresina B is an effective medicine and the state leadership is ensuring to have sufficient supply of the same.
Q. We are witnessing that Covid-19 cases are on the rise in rural areas. What is your leadership doing to cope with it?
We are doing several activities to tackle the Covid-19 spread in rural areas. We have educated people in rural areas and conveyed the right information to them. We also urged community representatives in rural areas like “Sarpanchs” and others to come forward and identify people who are having symptoms for their timely treatment.
Q. How are you preparing for the third wave which is more dangerous for kids?
We are discussing with doctors, analysts and researchers in different ways so that we can properly manage the third wave. Various experiments are being done to ensure immunity for kids and children. We are also educating parents to stay positive in case their kids have symptoms and immediately consult doctors.
Q. How is the state dealing with corruption cases around healthcare facilities which were on a massive high during the second wave?
We have taken stringent action against accused people and have directed the investigating agencies to ensure no such activity takes place. I am again urging people not to get involved in such acts and cooperate with the state machinery.
Q. Do you think the situation won’t arrive where you will have to implement lockdown again in the state?
We are working rigorously to ensure such a time don’t come again. We wish everyone good health.