NEW DELHI: With mortality rate being higher among the elderly people infected with novel
Coronavirus, the government on Thursday organised a webinar with its pensioners to create awareness among them on COVID-19 and ‘do’s and don'ts’ for preventing and dealing with it.
During the webinar conducted by department of pension and pensioners’ welfare under the guidance of minister of state for personnel
Jitendra Singh, around 100 pensioners from across 22 cities interacted with AIIMS director
Dr Randeep Guleria and associate professor, (geriatric medicine)
Dr Prasun Chatterjee. The AIIMS experts briefed the pensioners on spread of Coronavirus, present health scenario, ‘dos and don’ts’ with precautionary measures and remedial course. During the question-and-answer sessions, many pensioners from different parts of the country raised their concerns which were elaborately addressed by
Dr Guleria and Dr Chatterjee.
MoS Singh, while addressing the pensioners, pointed out that mortality was higher in the older population hit by COVID-19 while morbidity was higher among the younger people. However, due to a weaker immune system older people are more vulnerable to COVID-19, he added. Stating that good hygiene was key to fighting against the pandemic, Singh urged the pensioners to download ‘aarogya setu” app which provides relevant updated information on COVID-19 and also alerts one who comes into contact with any COVID-19 positive person.
Singh lauded doctors as “Corona warriors” for making all efforts to ensure the safety of the people. He assured pensioners that India’s health sector is expanding itself to take up its responsibility and Government of India is taking all action to ensure safety of people as well as to maintain.