In Kashi address, PM Narendra Modi chokes up during homage to Covid victims

VARANASI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that bringing treatment to the doorsteps of patients will reduce the burden on the health system and provided a new mantra in Covid-19 management — ‘Jahan bimar, wahin upchaar’ (treatment where the patient is).
“Bringing treatment to the patients’ doorstep will reduce the burden on the health system, which is already under great pressure, as we have to fight on many fronts. With our common efforts, we have handled the pandemic to a great extent, but still we have to fight a long battle, focussing on rural areas of Varanasi and surrounding regions of Purvanchal (east UP),” Modi said while interacting with doctors, paramedical staff and other frontline health workers of his parliamentary constituency through video conferencing on Friday.
The PM, who became emotional while paying condolences to those who lost their lives during the pandemic, said, “Covid-19 has snatched many of our loved ones from us. I pay my respect to the people who died of Covid-19 and express my condolences to their bereaved families.”
While lauding the efforts of Uttar Pradeh’s Yogi government in tackling the pandemic effectively as well as beginning preparations for the anticipated third wave of the pandemic, Modi also appreciated the initiative of the Varanasi administration in creating micro-containment zones and ensuring home delivery of medicines.
The PM commended the work done by doctors, nurses, technicians, ward boys, ambulance drivers and other frontline health workers of Kashi and the alacrity with which the number of oxygen and ICU beds were increased in a short time.
The Pandit Rajan Mishra Covid Hospital was also activated by DRDO at a short notice, he added.
Expressing happiness over the functioning of the Integrated Covid Command Centre (ICCC) in Varanasi, the PM said, “Varanasi’s example inspires the world. Initiatives like creation of micro containment zones and home delivery of medicines yielded positive results. Bringing doctors, labs and e-marketing companies together to provide a tele-medicine facility named ‘Kashi Kavach’ was also a very innovative initiative.”
The PM also warned against complacency and urged the frontline warriors to take maximum advantage of the potential and experience of ASHA and ANM sisters in the ongoing war against Covid in villages.
Terming the vaccine as a ‘safety armour’ against Covid-19, the PM said, “Vaccination has provided protection to our frontline workers during the second wave, who could serve the people. In the coming days, we will be extending vaccine protection to everyone. I urge everyone to get vaccinated when their turn comes.”
Emphasising maximum vaccination, the PM also warned against wastage of vaccines.
Modi hailed the efforts of Yogi government in fighting the pandemic and cited the success in controlling encephalitis cases in children in the Purvanchal region due to active efforts of the UP government. “I urge the officials and doctors to work with the same sensitivity and vigilance.”
He cautioned against the new challenge posed by mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’ disease in the battle against the corona pandemic. “It is important to pay attention to the precautions and arrangements required to deal with it,” he added.