PM Modi met Amit Shah, other ministers to discuss the coronavirus crisis
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with ministers and officials today to review the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, sources said. They discussed the situation in the states and Union Territories, including Delhi, where coronavirus cases have been rising.
Home Minister Amit Shah, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan and the principal secretary to PM Modi, among others, attended the meeting.
India has recorded the highest single-day jump of 11,458 fresh coronavirus cases, taking the total to 3,08,993, the latest data from the Health Ministry shows. India has the fourth-highest number of coronavirus cases among 10 nations worst-hit by coronavirus.
A senior member of the government think-tank NITI Aayog gave a presentation on where the pandemic is likely heading in the medium term, sources said. Vinod Paul, NITI Aayog member and convenor of the Empowered Group of Medical Emergency Management Plan, in his presentation said out of the total cases, two-thirds are in five states with an overwhelming proportion of cases in big cities.
PM Modi took note of the recommendations of the empowered group on city- and district-wise requirements of hospital and isolation beds, and asked Health Ministry officials to make emergency plans in consultation with the states and Union Territories.
He asked the Health Ministry to ensure proper preparation as monsoon is approaching.