MPS to create awareness on Covid-19
nNEW DELHI: Scaling efforts to prevent the spread of coronavirus, members of Parliament who are also medical professionals will create awareness about the virus and the preventive steps that people should take. This was decided at a meeting of parliamentarians chaired by parliamentary affairs minister Pralhad Joshi, which was attended by union health minister Dr Harsh Vardhan, BJP president JP Nadda and over 30 other MPS.
According to people aware of the developments, the members were given a presentation on the preparations and the processes being followed to curb the spread of the virus. Apart from Harsh Vardhan and secretary of the health ministry, ICMR chief Balram Bhargava also apprised the members of the steps being taken to control the spread and amp up medical facilities.
A member who was part of the meeting said the idea was to involve MPS who have “better understanding” of medicine and health related issues; seek their suggestions and also use their “expertise” in outreach.
“This is not a normal situation so we all have to do our bit. Since some of us have a background in medicine or science, we are better equipped to help the government take the message to the masses and also come up with suggestions,” said the MP quoted above.
The MP said, “India’s preparation for the pandemic has been beyond imagination and there can be no criticism of the government’s groundwork; yet the government is going all out to ensure the maximum possible is done to prevent the virus spread.”
A second person privy to the meeting said, Dr Harsha Vardhan told the members that the suggestion or questions that they have will also be shared with a committee of 24 doctors who meet on a daily basis to take stock of the situation.
On whether the issue of deferring or adjourning the ongoing Budget session was raised, the second person said, “The Prime Minister has made it amply clear that the MPS will have to do their bit during this crisis. If health and sanitation workers can face the situation, MPS cannot take off.”