Union Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Wednesday hit out at Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, saying if the Congress questioned him on the latest Covid protocol, it would be a hindrance in the discharge of his duties.
“If someone thinks how can a minister question them, what can we do about their mindset? Questioning me on this is like obstructing me in fulfilling my duty,” news agency ANI quoted him as saying.
Mandaviya on Tuesday wrote to Rahul Gandhi and Rajasthan CM Ashok Gehlot asking them to ensure that Covid-19 guidelines are strictly followed during the ongoing Bharat Jodi Yatra or else postpone the rally.
“Three MPs from Rajasthan informed me that several participants in Congress’ Bharat Jodo Yatra were diagnosed with Covid-19. Himachal Pradesh CM was also found positive after attending the yatra. I took views of experts and Rahul Gandhi Wrote to that Kovid protocol should be followed. Bharat Jodo Yatra to ensure that Covid-19 does not spread in Rajasthan,” Mandaviya said.
“It is my duty to ensure that Covid19 does not spread in the country. If someone thinks that how can a minister question him, then what can we do with his mindset? Questioning me on this is like obstructing my duty.
Mandaviya’s statement came after the ministry directed states to send all positive samples for genome sequencing amid a sudden spurt in Covid-19 cases in several countries.
Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan wrote to all states and union territories on Tuesday, “In view of the sudden spike in cases in Japan, America, Korea, Brazil, China, it is necessary that whole genome sequencing of samples of positive cases should be carried out.” be prepared.” To track the variant through the Indian SARS-Cov2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network. Such an exercise would enable timely detection of new variants, if any, running in the country and facilitate taking necessary public health measures.
Mandaviya’s ministry on Wednesday directed airport authorities to screen passengers arriving from China for COVID-19. Travelers from other countries where the incidence of Covid is increasing may be subject to random sampling for Covid-19.
