Dr Mansukh Mandaviya reviews COVID preparedness at Safdarjung Hospital

New Delhi: Amid rising concerns over the spread of COVID-19 across the country, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), visited Safdarjung Hospital to review the mock drill being undertaken for ensuring the readiness of hospital infrastructure for COVID-19 management.

While reviewing the preparations at Safdarjung hospital, Dr Mandaviya said, "I recently reviewed the COVID-19 status, and preparedness of prevention and management of COVID, with state health ministers. Mock drills are being conducted across the country to review the preparedness for the management of COVID-19, for which clinical readiness at hospitals is crucial. Both government and private hospitals are undertaking mock drills today. State Health Ministers are reviewing the drills in their respective states."

Dr Mandaviya further conducted an informal interactive session with the heads of various departments, doctors, nurses, and heads of security and sanitation service of the Safdarjung Hospital and Vardhman Mahavir Medical College. He listened to their grievances and suggestions on quality hospital management, clinical practices, infection control measures, sanitation processes and patient-centred high-quality healthcare provision. Dr Mandaviya advised the HoDs to meet with their teams every week, visit all departments physically, and evaluate the performance of each department to ensure the best output. Dr Mandaviya then praised the doctors for their exemplary work during the pandemic.

The Union Health Minister cautioned the staff against complacency and urged them to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour. He emphasised the need to be alert, refrain from sharing unverified information, and ensure high levels of preparedness.

Concluding his visit, Dr Mandaviya stated, "COVID cases are rising all over the world, and India might witness a spike in cases too. Hence it is important that the entire COVID infrastructure in terms of equipment, processes, and human resources are at a state of operational readiness."