Madhya Pradesh Medical Education Minister Vishwas Sarang joined India News for a conversation and spoke about the measures taken to curb Covid-19 cases in the state and the government’s preparation strategy to tackle black fungus.
Excerpts:
Q. Data being released by state health ministries indicates that there is a slight decrease in Covid patients. And experts believe that we have passed the peak of the second wave. What do you think of it?
The nature of this virus is too unpredictable. Due to which it would be unfair to predict its peak and if it has passed. However, prompt action by the Centre and the state has led to a sharp decline in the number of positive cases and an increase in recovery rates in Madhya Pradesh.
We have worked rigorously on various levels to stop the rise in cases. “Kill Corona” was one such campaign in rural areas, pro-active covid centres were establishes and kept operational round the clock, ensured maximum testing, provided Covid kits all across, and increased beds too for all walks of societies in hospitals.
Q. Black fungus is on a massive rise all across states. What’s your preparation strategy to tackle it?
The cases of Mucormycosis are being closely watched by our health experts and we have already formed various units to study its symptoms and to come up with medication to deal with it. We have started a campaign of nasal endoscopy, which is being done on patients having early symptoms of Mucormycosis. Due to the lack of study on this subject, we are continuously pressing our health care experts to study and do proper research on it.
Q. Massive corruption is being observed in terms of medicines and injections to fight Covid-19 cases. How will the state government tackle it in the case of Black Fungus?
Stringent actions were taken against those who were involved in such practices. We have directed our investigating agencies not to spare any such accused. And similar approach will be adopted if anyone is found involved in corruption while dealing with Black Fungus.
Q. White Fungus, another healthcare challenge is being discovered, what do you think of it?
It’s too early to comment on it. Health experts are studying it and we are keeping a close watch on it. We will share details about it when we will have something credible.
Q. How is the state ensuring that lack of oxygen, bed and injections will not be repeated?
We are now preparing with a vision to immune our public from facing such difficulties. We are trying to bring private and state stakeholders on the same page so that we can take uniform decisions. We are discussing the challenges the third wave of Covid-19 beholds for us like kids being in quarantine, the approach of parents and what kind of equipment we will need while coping with the third wave.
Q. The period of the pandemic has several challenges within it, unemployment and shut down of businesses to name a few. How is your state planning to cope with these problems?
We have already announced free ration to all, Rs 1000 will be given to all street vendors and Rs 5000 will be provided as pension to the family of Covid-19 deceased. Several welfare schemes are being made operational to tackle such issues. The Chief Minister has already expressed his concerns about the same and the state machinery is directed to solve such issues for all.
Q. What do you have to say about Pragya Thakur’s comment, “Gaumutra can help with curbing the spread of virus and boost immunity?”
Ancient history suggests several benefits of Gaumutra but it still needs scientific proof.