Prepared to handle COVID spike: Uttarakhand health department after mock drill

Dehradun: After two days of mock drills, held across the country to check COVID preparedness, officials of the Uttarakhand health department said they are prepared to handle a spike in cases.

Senior officials of the department, including health secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar, inspected the Government Doon Medical College and Hospital (GDMCH) as part of the mock drill. Four patients are currently undergoing COVID treatment there, one of whom is on a ventilator.

"We have a dedicated wing for COVID patients. If the need arises, it can be expanded in phases with a separate entrance and dedicated staff can be arranged. Our oxygen plant and other facilities are working well. We have lessons from the previous waves that can be incorporated into dealing with a case spike," said Dr Ashutosh Syana, principal, Doon hospital.

"Most of the COVID patients are doing well and are in home isolation. Very few are in hospitals. We are urging the public to follow COVID protocol."

"There is no need to panic. People with comorbidities should pay extra attention to their health. The department is prepared to handle the situation," said Kumar. Currently, the state has 197 active cases, of which 87 are in Doon. There have been six COVID-related deaths in the state this year.