Amid the rise of the JN.1 Covid variant, Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Bansode directed health officials to ensure that government hospitals have sufficient ventilators, oxygen cylinders, and essential equipment.
During a meeting held in Latur on Saturday, the minister emphasized the need for the health department to take preventive measures, guaranteeing the availability of vital equipment and medications across all state-run facilities.
Present at the meeting were Collector Varsha Thakur-Ghuge, Chief Executive Officer Anmol Sagar, Superintendent of Police Somay Munde, Municipal Commissioner Babasaheb Manohare, and other high-ranking officials.
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As of December 21, India had reported twenty-two cases of the JN.1 variant, which originated in August in Luxembourg as a descendant of the BA.2.86 lineage (Pirola) of SARS COV2.
According to the latest update from the Union Health Ministry on Sunday, the country witnessed a daily increase of 656 COVID-19 infections, pushing the active cases to 3,742.
Bansode stressed, “The administration must ensure the availability of essential equipment and medications at tehsil health centers. It’s crucial to assess the status of oxygen plants as well.”
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He further highlighted the urgency of completing the construction of primary health centers and other healthcare facilities in the district and ensuring their operational readiness.
In response to the new variant, Dr. Vadgave, the district health officer, confirmed the provision of testing kits for evaluating symptomatic patients.
Additionally, an official from the health department mentioned that fifty beds have been set aside for new cases at Vilasrao Deshmukh Government Medical College, where a mock drill was conducted to evaluate ventilators and oxygen facilities.
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