Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare visited Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi to review the mock drill being undertaken for ensuring readiness of hospital infrastructure for COVID-19 management.

The Union Minister said, “I recently reviewed the COVID-19 status and preparedness of prevention and management of COVID with state health ministers. Mock drills are being conducted across the country to review the preparedness for management of COVID-19, for which clinical readiness at hospitals is crucial."

Government as well as private hospitals are undertaking mock drills today. State Health Ministers are reviewing the drills in their respective states,” stated Mandaviya.  

He had an informal interactive session with Heads of Departments and staff of Safdarjung Hospital and Vardhman Mahavir Medical College. He spent around an hour with the heads of various departments, doctors, nurses, heads of security and sanitation services and listened with patience to their numerous suggestions on quality hospital management, clinical practices, infection control measures, sanitation processes and patient-centered high quality healthcare provision.

Mandaviya advised the HoDs to meet their teams every week, undertake physical visits to all departments and evaluate their performance to ensure best output. He also praised the doctors for their exemplary work during the pandemic.

Mandaviya cautioned against complacency and urged everyone to follow COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAD). He emphasized to remain on the alert, refrain from sharing unverified information and ensure a high level of preparedness.

“COVID cases are rising all over the world and India might witness a spike in cases too. Hence it is important that the entire COVID infrastructure in terms of equipment, processes and human resources are at a state of operational readiness,” stated Mandaviya.

Dr. Atul Goel, Director General of Health Services; Dr. B. L. Sherwa, Medical Superintendent, Safdarjung Hospital, and heads of various departments including sanitation were present on the occasion.