New Delhi: Even as the jury is out on how India has managed the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of controlling the mortality rate and implementing central schemes, Uttar Pradesh comes out with flying colours.
A case study by Johns Hopkins University states that Uttar Pradesh is among the toppers in managing coronavirus pandemic across the globe. When the entire world is again gripped with the fresh wave of COVID-19, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh has been found well-equipped with governmental health infrastructure available right there to guide, monitor, and control operations.
A case study, combining qualitative and quantitative data stated, “Despite these challenges, Uttar Pradesh responded promptly with limited resources to address the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The Yogi government implemented a ‘whole-of-government’ approach with a mix of top-down leadership and decentralised coordination and planning.
The response to COVID-19 in Uttar Pradesh has been led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath by convening all relevant departments, including health, to plan and execute various activities.
It was only because of the strict implementation of lockdown measures and buying the critical time to establish clinical and public health functions that successfully helped in reducing the transmission of the virus.
Multisectoral approaches are increasingly acknowledged by the Yogi Government as a requirement for effective epidemic response efforts. Therefore, a modified version of the functions identified as necessary for an effective health emergency and disaster risk management effort was used.
Several government efforts to protect social wellbeing have been implemented providing Rs 1600 crore in funding for vulnerable poor households.
It is beyond imagination that starting from two labs now the state has more than 250 labs in the state. Uttar Pradesh also is the first state to have tested more than 1.5 lakh samples a day and has as many as 1.5 lakh dedicated beds for COVID-19.
The state developed an integrated digital platform which has been crucial for ensuring coordination at all levels of the government.
CM Yogi turned crises into opportunity
The epidemic also presented several opportunities related to improved planning, coordination, training, and the expanded use of digital platforms. These opportunities further improved critical health indicators in the state and ensured a more resilient health system.
UP Got Praised Internationally
UP’s battle against the pandemic has not only been lauded by the Central Government, but also by the World Health Organisation (WHO). The global health body appreciated the efforts made by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his government for the management especially in tracking the high-risk contacts.
“The UP government’s strategic response to COVID-19 by stepping up contact tracing efforts is exemplary and can serve as a good example for other states”, said Dr. Roderico Ofrin, WHO Country Representative.
UP restricts spread of COVID-19
Not only by WHO, but Uttar Pradesh also earned praise when the Economic Survey 2020-21 released by the central government on Friday stated that UP successfully managed to restrict the spread of COVID-19 cases at its best.
The survey also mentioned that the instant decision of lockdown taken by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath amid the pandemic was one of the major reasons that were found effective in controlling the spread of coronavirus infection across the state.
In order to control the second wave of coronavirus in Uttar Pradesh, CM Yogi urged people to adopt the mantra of Test, Trace, and Treat to ensure full compliance with the COVID-19 protocol.