ONE UNIFORM TENDER FOR VACCINES AT NATIONAL LEVEL IS REQUIRED: RAJESH TOPE

In a conversation with NewsX on Friday, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope said that thehealthcare experts are actively studying real medication for black fungus and they will hopefully be able to cope with it. There are close to 1,500 cases of black fungus in Maharashtra and thus the state task force is actively monitoring the situation.

Q. Positivity rates in Maharashtra are declining but not the death rates. What do you think is the reason behind it? 

Our recovery rate has improved and so has the positivity rate. Some people are still not taking any precautions, I would urge them not to repeat such mistakes. Everyone must take all the required precautions.  

Q. How is the state is ensuring the stop of spread in rural areas?  

We are vaccinating people in full strength. If the Government of India will provide us with a sufficient amount we will do it better. We didn’t get vaccines as per our population due to which we are lacking behind. I would urge the Centre to provide us with the required amount of vaccines.  

Q. Has Maharashtra issued global tenders for vaccines? 

We have done that but didn’t get any response. It has happened maybe because of the complexity of norms implemented and if it’s eased in future then only foreign companies will approach us to sell their vaccines. There should be one uniform tender at a national level for smooth coordination and to lure foreign companies.  

Q. How is the state dealing with the cases of Black Fungus?  

People who fail in controlling their blood sugar and take steroids are prone to this disease. Our healthcare experts are actively studying real medication for this fungus and we will hopefully be able to cope with it. We have close to 1500 cases of Black Fungus due to which our state task force is actively monitoring the situation. Hospitals are being specifically designated for the same and I would urge the public to follow the guidelines to avoid the spread of Black Fungus.   

Q. How are you preparing for the third wave which is more dangerous for kids?  

We are discussing with doctors, analysts and researchers in different ways so that we can easily handle the third wave. Various experiments are being done to ensure immunity for kids and children. We are also educating parents to stay positive if their kids face symptoms and immediately approach the doctors.