CM sets R-Day deadline for doctor recruitment

Vijayawada: Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy on Monday directed the health department to complete recruiting doctors and other staff to the department by January 26, 2023.

In a review meeting at his camp office, the Chief Minister issued the directions to health minister Vidadala Rajani and senior officials, and also called for the setting up of village clinics by the upcoming Republic Day.

Jagan Mohan Reddy directed officials to start the construction of medical colleges, including the newly sanctioned one for Parvathipuram, by January 26.

Besides, he called for arranging 104 vehicles to promote the ‘family doctor’ concept and asked officials to follow up if patients availing of treatment under the Aarogyasri scheme were getting medicines after discharge.

The Chief Minister also sought information on the BF.7 sub-variant of the Omicron Coronavirus variant, and was informed that the state was clear of the same.

He, however, directed officials to ensure that village clinics provide treatment to those suffering from Covid-19. He told officials to ensure Covid-19 testing at village clinics.

Further, Jagan Mohan Reddy directed officials to create awareness of the current situation and implore the public to readopt safe practices, including mask hygiene. He said that all suspected cases must be tested for Covid-19.

He set a deadline of January 5 for the officials to complete arrangements to tackle a possible Covid-19 case spike. He also told officials to inspect the preparedness of private hospitals and to check the availability of masks, PPE kits, Covid-19 testing kits and other necessities.

Health officials said that arrangements were made to conduct 30,000 RT-PCR tests and that a genome sequencing lab was set up in Vijayawada to identify the variants. They said that international travellers were being tested at the airport.

Also, they said that the state has 320 tonnes of medical oxygen in stock, along with sufficient N-95 masks and PPE kits.