Despite initial 'lag' Telangana 'picks up' in dealing with COVID-19: Governor

Though there was a "lag" initially in conducting COVID-19 tests, the Telangana government is now effectively dealing with the pandemic situation in the state, Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said on Wednesday She also said many of her suggestions were now being implemented.

Though there was a "lag" initially in conducting COVID-19 tests, the Telangana government is now effectively dealing with the pandemic situation in the state, Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan said on Wednesday She also said many of her suggestions were now being implemented. Sounadarajan, also a medical doctor, noted that she had suggested Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao to join the Centre's "Ayushman Bharat"- National Health Protection Mission for the benefit of the people of Telangana.

"From the beginning of the COVID-19 situation, not only as a governor, but also as a caring doctor, I have offered so many suggestions. But as the government had some restrictions, they were strictly following the ICMR guidelines... When I gave them the suggestions, they have taken up. Even though it took some time, they are following (now).

But initially there was a little lag I should say," she told reporters on the occasion of completion of one year in the office. The governor said she made suggestions such as carrying out more tests and preparing more hospitals including at the district level also for the treatment of the virus.

According to Soundararajan, though the situation is better now with respect to COVID-19 pandemic in the state, it would have been much better had the suggestions given by her been taken "little earlier." "Now they (the government) have ramped up the tests. There are hospital presentations at the districts and mobile labs. Now we are picking up I should say," she said.

Replying to query, she said a vaccine for COVID-19 is expected from 6 to 12 months and hoped that India, particularly Telangana would be the genesis for that. Reacting to reports that many private teachers are indulging in petty jobs as they are left jobless due to the lockdown, the Governor said the issue should be dealt 'cooperatively' by the school managements.

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