Ashok Gehlot, Chief Minister of Rajasthan addressed a video conference from his residence in Jaipur on Friday.  100 medical practioners from the state, heads of medical colleges in Rajasthan and medical investigation specialists were among the participants in this conference.

Over 100 participants in the video conference deliberated on testing methodoligies for COVID19, treatment, care and other related matters.

Rohit Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Rajasthan, said that Antigen testing will be done with immediate effect.  ICMR is despatching 200 test kits to Rajasthan hospitals.  With a 79% cure rate, Rajasthan is among the leading states in India. He added that the awarenness campaign initiated by the government from 21 June is accompanied by he Active Surveillance campaign, for the fourth time.

Vice Chancellor of Rajasthan Health Sciences University, Dr. Rajababu Panwar and Dr Sudhir Bhandari, Principal of SMS Medical College Jaipur added that successful results on antigen testing will establish better treatment options for COVID19.

Ashok Gehlot, in his address to the participants, said that health department has played a substantial role in controlling the spread and treatment of COVID19. The Rajasthan model has set an example across the country, Bhilwara being the most talked about during the earlier days. He added that the state is conducting a Death Audit across the states hospitals to assess the reasons for death of COVID19 patients and establish the root cause. This audit and subsequent studies will help in further augmenting preventive measures.

He further added that in the absence of a vaccine, prevention and substantial care is the only tool to prevent the spread of the virus. He said that the awareness campaign conducted by Rajasthan is the only one of its kind in the country. Gehlot appreciated the involvement and selfless participation of the health department, social service organisation, public representatives, etc in spreading awareness.

Dr Raghu Sharma, Minister of Medical and Health, government of Rajasthan cautioned on the challenged that lay ahead. He said that with the advent of the monsoon, seasonal infections will be rampant. He said that the health department is prepared for this eventuality.