PM Modi has asked states to follow the 'Himachal Pradesh model' under which the state's entire population was reportedly screened for influenza-like symptoms.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked states to consider the ‘Himachal Pradesh model’ to combat the novel coronavirus outbreak in the country, according to a report by The Economic Times.
Under the model, the state screened its entire population for influenza-like symptoms. People who did not improve after initial medication were put through a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test, the report suggests.
According to the report, officials at the Centre asked states to consider a similar approach in their respective ‘red’ and ‘orange’ zones by conducting door-to-door screening or by encouraging self-declaration of such symptoms via the Aarogya Setu app.
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The entire population of Himachal Pradesh, of around 70 lakh people, was reportedly screened for influenza-like symptoms under the exercise.
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The report quotes Himachal Pradesh’s Additional Chief Secretary (Health) RD Dhiman as saying that 16,000 officials have conducted the door-to-door exercise.
The official added that around 10,000 persons with influenza-like symptoms were identified and 1,500 of them were tested for COVID-19 after they did not improve through initial medication.
The state reportedly tested 700 people per 10 lakh population — considered one of the highest testing rates in the country.
As per the Union Health Ministry’s update on April 29, Himachal Pradesh has so far reported a total of 40 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Of these, 25 patients have recovered. There has been one death. The state has not recorded a fresh case in the last five days.
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