Educate people against Covid rumours: PM to doctors
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday termed vaccine as the biggest weapon in the fight against COVID-19 and urged doctors to encourage more and more patients to get the jab.
In a virtual interaction with the country's leading doctors on the pandemic situation and vaccination progress, he noted that COVID-19 is spreading rapidly in tier-two and tierthree cities this time and asked them to connect with their colleagues working there and provide online consultations to ensure all protocols are followed correctly.
In a separate meeting with leaders of the pharmaceutical industry, he commended the sector for its efforts to increase production of several necessary drugs and also for reducing the price of injections like remdesivir.
To keep the supply of medicines and essential medical equipment going smoothly, he asked the industry to ensure seamless supply chains and extended government's support for facilities like logistics and transportation.
Urging doctors to educate people against ‘rumours’ on COVID treatment and prevention, Modi said it is very important in these difficult times to not become a victim of panic, according to the statement.
Emphasis must also be on counselling of patients admitted in hospitals, Modi said and encouraged doctors to use telemedicine for the treatment of other diseases, in case there is no emergency. He has also called a meeting with vaccine manufacturers on Tuesday. ‘Ensure essentials at fair prices’
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Department of Consumer Affairs on Monday stressed upon all states/ UTs to adopt zero-tolerance against hoarders so that supplies of essential commodities are maintained during curfews/ lockdowns imposed due to pandemic.
States and UTs were told prices of essential supplies including food items/ drugs, hygiene products and essential services are available at fair prices. The department has emphasized that States/ UTs administration is empowered to act against the unscrupulous traders and hoarders for maintenance of supplies of the essential commodities.