Central team checks TN’s Omicron preparedness

A team of Central experts undertook an inspection of the oxygen production unit and Omicron ward at RGGGH, and the oxygen storage facility along with Health Minister Ma Subramanian on Monday.

Speaking to reporters Health Minister Ma Subramanian said the expert committee, including Dr Vineeta, Dr Purbasa, Dr M Santhosh Kumar and Dr Dinesh Babu

S, also inspected the functioning of 108 ambulance services and control room. “The committee will also monitor the vaccination drive and inspect government hospitals in Kancheepuram, Thiruvallur, Chengalpattu and submit a report to Union Health Ministry,” he said.

Ma Subramanian said that Chief Minister MK Stalin has also reviewed the Omicron preparedness in the State. “There are 97 people who have been detected with S-gene drop at the State Public Health Laboratory so far. Of this, 34 tested positive for Omicron upon confirmation from the National Institute of Virology, while 18 of them have successfully recovered and been discharged. Currently, 16 are under treatment and the Central team will be inspecting the treatment being given to them. A total of 1,250 beds are ready for Omicron cases in the State,” he said.

“Since the reports of the individuals who show the presence of S-gene drop are confirmed very late and the patients are treated and discharged during the same time, we are requesting the Central team to issue the reports on priority or grant the authorisation to the State Public Health Laboratory to confirm the genomic sequencing reports so that the daily reports can be given for those suspected for Omicron,” said the minister.