This is the first meeting in 2022. First of all, a very Happy Lohri to all of you! Best wishes for Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush festivals in advance. India's battle with the biggest pandemic of 100 years has now entered its third year. Hard work is our only path and victory is our only option. We the people of 130 crore India will surely emerge victorious from Corona with our efforts. The same belief is visible from what I heard from all of you. We have been briefed in detail by the Health Secretary about the new challenge in the form of Omicron and the increasing number of cases. Amit Shah ji has also put forth some aspects in the beginning. Today, chief ministers from across India have also presented many important points.

 Friends,

The apprehensions about Omicron earlier are slowly getting cleared now. The Omicron variant is infecting the masses many times faster than the earlier variants. In a country like America, 14 lakh new cases have been reported in a day. Our scientists and health experts are constantly studying every situation and data. One thing is clear that we have to be alert and careful, but at the same time, we have to ensure that there is no panic. During this festive season, we have to ensure that there is no decline in the alertness level among the people and the administration. The pre-emptive, pro-active and collective approach adopted by the central and state governments earlier is also the mantra of victory this time. The more we limit the corona infection, the less the problem will be. We have to continue scaling up our medical infrastructure and manpower with an emphasis on science-based knowledge on the awareness front.

Friends,

Most of the experts of the world say that whatever the variant, vaccination is the most effective weapon to fight against corona. Vaccines made in India are proving their superiority all over the world. It is a matter of pride for every Indian that today India has administered the first dose of vaccines to about 92 percent of the adult population. The coverage of the second dose has also reached around 70 percent in the country. And there are still three days left for our vaccination campaign to complete one year. Within 10 days, India has also vaccinated about three crore adolescents. It shows India's potential and our readiness to deal with this challenge. Vaccines are available in sufficient quantities with the states today. The sooner the precautionary dose is given to the frontline workers and senior citizens, the stronger our healthcare system will become. We have to intensify the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign for 100% vaccination. Today, I also congratulate our healthcare workers and our ASHA sisters, who are busy speeding up the vaccination campaign in the midst of adverse weather conditions.

 Friends,

We must also not allow any attempt regarding the spread of confusion about vaccination. Many times we get to hear that ‘infection is happening despite the vaccine, so what is the use’? There are also rumors about the mask that it does not benefit. There is a great need to counter such rumors.

 Friends,

We have to take care of one more thing in this fight against Corona. We have two years of experience in fighting Corona and there is also nationwide preparation. While devising any strategy, we must keep in mind that there should be minimum damage to the livelihood of the common people and economic activities and the momentum of the economy should be maintained. This is very necessary. Therefore, it would be better to focus more on local containment. It is also necessary to ensure that there is maximum and rapid testing where more cases are being reported. Apart from this, we also have to ensure that maximum treatment is provided in the event of home isolation. Therefore, it is also very important to follow the guidelines and protocols related to home isolation and improvise according to the situations. The better the system of tracking and treatment during home isolation, the less will be the need to go to hospitals. People mostly contact control rooms in the event of detection of infection. Hence, proper response followed by continuous tracking goes a long way in boosting the confidence of the patient.

I am happy that many state governments are also making very innovative efforts in this direction. The central government has also developed many facilities for telemedicine. Its maximum use will help a lot to corona-infected patients. As far as essential medicines and infrastructure are concerned, the central government is with every state as always. Many states have empowered health infrastructure by utilizing the special package of Rs 23,000 crore given 5-6 months ago. Under this, more than 800 special pediatric care units for children have been approved in medical colleges and district hospitals across the country and about 1.5 lakh new ICU and HDU beds are being prepared. More than 5,000 special ambulances along with 950 Liquid Medical Oxygen Storage Tanks have been added. Several such efforts have been made to augment the capacity of emergency infrastructure. But we have to keep expanding this infrastructure.

We have to put our preparations ahead of every variant to defeat Corona. Along with tackling Omicron, we have to start preparations for any more possible variants. I believe mutual cooperation and coordination of one government with another will continue to provide strength to the country in the fight against Corona. There is one thing which we are aware of and this is a tradition in every household in our country. The use of Ayurvedic products and the tradition of drinking concoctions are beneficial in this season and no one terms it as medicine. But it has its utility. I would also request the countrymen that the traditional products in our homes also help a lot at such times. Let us also focus on that.

 Friends,

You all took your time out and all of us shared our concerns. No matter how big the crisis may be; our preparedness, our confidence to fight and the determination to emerge victorious from our discussions give confidence to the common citizen. And with the cooperation of common citizens, we will successfully overcome this situation as well. I sincerely thank you all for taking your time out. Thanks a lot.

DISCLAIMER: This is the approximate translation of PM’s speech. Original speech was delivered in Hindi.

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DS/AKJ/BM/VK