New Delhi

Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday directed officials to boost ongoing monitoring and surveillance of new variants and cases of Covid-19.

The minister’s directions came at a review meeting with key experts and officials of the country on the new ‘XE variant’ of COVID-19, the ministry said in a statement.

On the medical infrastructure and resources front, Mandaviya directed officials to constantly review the availability of essential drugs and medicines required for Covid treatment. 

“He further emphasized that the ongoing vaccination drive must be carried out at full pace and all eligible should be vaccinated,” the statement said.

The meeting was attended by Dr V.K. Paul, member, Health, NITI Ayog, Rajesh Bhushan, Secretary, Health, Dr Randeep Guleria, Director, AIIMS, Dr Balram Bhargava, DG, ICMR, Dr. N K Arora, NTAGI and other senior officials of the Health Ministry were also present in the meeting.