Health Minister, Harsh Vardhan today said that India is in touch with Iran on possible evacuation of Indian pilgrims and students stuck in the corona virus hit nation.
Indian medical team will reach Iran today for novel Coronavirus screening of Indians stranded in that country. In a tweet, External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar expressed hope to establish first clinic at Iranian sity of Qom by today evening. He said, the screening process will start immediately after that. The Minister said, India is also working on logistics of return with Iranian authorities. He added that a Group of Ministers is constantly monitoring the progress.
Making a statement in the Rajya Sabha today on the corona virus outbreak the Health minister said, the government is providing a national level training workshop tomorrow for all states and hospitals.
The Minister said, a total of 29 people in India have tested positive, including three initial cases in Kerala who have since been recuperated and discharged. Dr. Harsh Vardhan said, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the preparedness to tackle the situation. He informed the House that the Health Ministry along with a Group of Ministers are also monitoring the situation.
The minister added, India is in regular touch with World Health Organisation. The Minister said the universal screening for all international passengers at airports is being conducted. The minister also said, to ensure availability of availability of critical items like personal protective equipments and N95 masks the exports of the same were restricted. A buffer stock of personal protective equipments and N95 masks is maintained by states as well as the union government.
Leader of Opposition Ghulam Nabi Azad said, there is a need to create awareness among the people about corona virus at Railways and bus stations. Tiruchi Shiva of DMK, Derek O’Brien of TMC, Ramgopal Yadav of SP, Vijila Sathyananth of AIADMK and others also spoke about the issue.
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