CHENNAI: Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Monday said the Centre has initiated a series of actions to prevent the spread of coronavirus and that it is now taking up the vaccination drive in a big way. Vardhan’s remarks came a day after India’s drug regulator approved the restricted use of COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech in the country.
In his address at the 32nd Convocation of city-based Sri amachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER) held virtually, he said the pandemic showcased the contribution of the government sector towards adequate healthcare – both Intensive Care and otherwise. He also called for a powerful societal commitment to overcome the barriers imposed by the pandemic.
“The Centre has initiated a series of actions to prevent the spread (of coronavirus). Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) himself interacted with the Chief Ministers of all states and union territories and all stakeholders to regularly understand issues and collaborate with them for effective COVID management,” Vardhan said.
Acknowledging that COVID-19 has turned the clock back by many years, if not decades, he said the deadly virus has derailed painstaking efforts of many decades and diverted scientific attention, adding, the lockdowns raised insurmountable barriers, interrupted supply chains, diversion of manufacturing capacity and imposed many roadblocks. This year, the Centre has already made a substantial increase in the healthcare spend and the Finance Commission has projected a massive increase in the health outlay in the next five years.
“The recent pandemic has showcased the contribution of the Government sector towards adequate healthcare…. both intensive care and otherwise.The Central Government is taking up the vaccination drive in a big way,” Vardhan said. —PTI

Press Trust of India