Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 24: Indian Institute of Public Administration (IIPA) JK Branch organized a prelude conference on “Management of Pandemics”.
Dr Pawan Kotwal, Principal Secretary, Revenue Department, Dr Yashpal Sharma, Managing Director, J&K Medical Supplies Corporation Limited and Dr Arun Sharma, Medical Superintendent Super Specialty Hospital Jammu were the key resource persons.
While speaking during the conference, Dr Pawan Kotwal gave an optimistic perspective with respect to management of pandemics in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. He said that the doctors and other staff in a span of 6-8 months have learned exponentially about the various challenges and strategies to combat the pandemic. He strongly advocated the need of wearing of masks, washing hands and physical distancing till the time the vaccine is made available.
Dr Yash Pal Sharma, in his address, said that the Government of J&K has converted this challenge of pandemic into an opportunity to strengthen its Health Care Institutions to a great extent, which will go a long way in future management of patients and such disasters. Despite various challenges faced during the initial period, the health care infrastructure for management of COVID patients/suspects was improved by establishing 22,644 Isolation beds, 442 ICU beds and 5553 Oxygen supported beds in Category-I, II & III hospitals/COVID Care Centres.
Dr Arun Sharma, while sharing his experience about the management of pandemic, advised the people to avoid the 3C’s – spaces that are closed, crowded or involve close contact and also advocated the wearing on masks as part of our lifestyle. He further said that people in general should seek information from trusted sources and wherever possible should avoid self-medication.
K B Jandial, Director (Seminars) in his welcome address, highlighted the challenges posed by pandemic on various institutions of governance. He stressed that it is important to reflect back on the lessons learned during the pandemic in devising strategies for meeting the challenges in the future.
Prof Alka Sharma, honorary secretary conducted the proceedings and Vikrant Kuthiala, honorary treasurer presented the formal vote of thanks.
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