Maharashtra: Health Minister Rajesh Tope claims the state is not hiding COVID-19 deaths

Pune: "We are working with transparency, honestly and religiously working together with our Mahavikas Aghadi government. Therefore, there is no reason to hide any death due to coronavirus in any way or manner. One day it seems to have a higher number, which is due to the late arrival of test reports of the patients concerned. But, we immediately rectify but for no reason, we were pointed out and became the talk of the town about such an increase. Therefore, it is very wrong to say that the death rate is hidden and the number of tests done are low," said the Maharashtra state Health Minister Rajesh Tope.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Minister Tope said, "Most of the positive corona tests in the country have been conducted in Mumbai, followed by Pune. The ICMR guidelines are being followed 100 per cent by the Health Department. It is our priority to test those who have symptoms of coronavirus pandemics, as well as to quarantine those most exposed to corona. In this context, good work is going on everywhere including Pune and Mumbai, that is why the number of such patients is high."

He added, "On the other hand, in many states where tests are not conducted, is the reason why the number is not increasing. But in the future, such pictures are not right. We, my government, even the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, are of the view that nothing related to this pandemic should be hidden from the citizens. There is no reason for politics in this, we are making everything clear. The state government is ready to disclose any facts or information that they think that some of these matters are being kept secret. We clarified that if anyone is deliberately doing wrong, appropriate action will be taken against them."