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Saurabh Bharadwaj

Delhi Health Minister Highlights Doctors Shortage, Criticizes L-G for Inaction

Delhi Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has raised concerns about a significant shortage of doctors and specialists in the city’s hospitals, citing a nearly 30% vacancy rate. Despite repeated requests to the Lieutenant Governor (L-G), Bharadwaj claims no substantial efforts have been made to address these critical vacancies. He accused the L-G’s office of delaying appointments by citing excuses such as the unavailability of the Chief Minister and the lack of a National Capital Civil Service Authority (NCCSA) meeting. During a press conference, Bharadwaj outlined measures the Delhi government is taking to combat the spread of dengue, including directives for public announcements at metro stations, bus stations, and other transport hubs to raise awareness about dengue prevention. He emphasized the need for all government hospitals to be fully equipped to handle dengue cases and directed the Health Secretary to visit hospitals daily to ensure compliance, although he expressed uncertainty over the implementation of these orders. Bharadwaj also highlighted the need for schools to enforce full-sleeve clothing for students as a protective measure against mosquito bites. He noted plans to increase public awareness through radio ads, campaigns, posters, and announcements in metro and public transport stations. The Health Minister accused the L-G’s office of spreading false information and obstructing the recruitment process for medical staff in government hospitals. He criticized the L-G, appointed by the BJP-led central government, for evading responsibility during major crises in Delhi, including a recent incident at the Asha Kiran Home Shelter, where 13 residents died due to a lack of doctors and paramedical staff. Bharadwaj blamed this tragic outcome on the L-G’s failure to appoint necessary medical personnel, despite having authority over transfers and postings. Bharadwaj also pointed out that the L-G’s office issued a misleading statement claiming that the absence of an NCCSA meeting prevented staff appointments at Asha Kiran Home. However, these appointments were made following a court order without the need for an NCCSA meeting, which he said exposed the falsehoods propagated by the L-G’s office. The minister emphasized that many hospitals are currently managed by overburdened directors or medical superintendents due to staff shortages. He noted that multiple letters sent to the L-G’s office have gone unheeded, with responses citing reasons like the unavailability of the Chief Minister and procedural delays tied to NCCSA meetings. The NCCSA, chaired by the Delhi Chief Minister and including the Chief Secretary and Principal Secretary (Home), was formed in May to oversee service matters, including transfers and postings of Group ‘A’ officers in the Delhi government. Source: Business Standard

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COVID-19 Update: Rising Cases, Advisory in Himachal, JN.1 Variant Spreads

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases, several Indian states are urging citizens to adhere to coronavirus protocols. As of December 25, Kerala leads with 3,096 active cases, followed by Karnataka (436), Maharashtra (168), Gujarat (56), and Tamil Nadu (139). The Union Health Ministry reported 69 cases of the JN.1 COVID subvariant in the country. In response to the variant’s presence, Himachal Pradesh health officials issued an advisory. Chief medical officers are instructed to test individuals with COVID-19 symptoms, emphasizing vigilance. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar from Una recommended immediate testing for those with symptoms like cold, fever, or cough, while stressing the importance of mask-wearing. Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao confirmed 34 cases of the JN.1 variant in the state, reassuring the public that the situation is under control. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar urged citizens not to panic, emphasizing that the health minister would provide updates. In a surprising turn, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal threatened to reveal a purported ₹40,000-crore “Covid scam” if expelled from the party. Yatnal alleges that the Karnataka BJP government, led by B S Yediyurappa, engaged in massive corruption during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Delhi’s Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj stated that the city’s COVID positivity rate is around 1%. While advising caution during winter festivals, he assured the public that additional genome sequencing is being conducted. Meanwhile, a new COVID-19 case surfaced in Khurda district, Odisha, bringing the state’s total to three. All three individuals exhibit mild symptoms and are undergoing home treatment. Responding to the escalating cases, the Karnataka government’s coronavirus sub-committee implemented measures, including mandatory mask-wearing, home isolation, and caution against sending symptomatic children to schools. Dr. Shekhar C Mande, former Director-General of CSIR, emphasized the significance of disease surveillance in India, not only for COVID-19 but also for tracking the spread of various infections, including antimicrobial resistance. He highlighted the usefulness of surveillance methods such as wastewater analysis in detecting variants like JN.1. The World Health Organization (WHO) has labeled JN.1 as a ‘variant of interest,’ distinct from its counterpart BA.2.86. Despite this, WHO maintains that the risk from JN.1 remains low for now

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