The Country needs to stay prepared to meet the challenges: PM Modi

(730 words)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the ‘Customized Crash Course programme for Covid 19 Frontline workers’ today via video conferencing. The training programme will be conducted in 111 training centres spread across 26 states. About one lakh frontline workers will be trained in this initiative. The Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dr. Mahendra Nath Pandey was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the event, the Prime Minister stated that this launch is the next step in the fight against Corona. Prime Minister Modi cautioned that the virus is present and the possibility of mutation is also there. The second wave of the pandemic illustrated various types of challenges. The Country needs to stay prepared to meet the challenges and training almost one lakh frontline warriors is a step in that direction.

He also reminded that the pandemic has tested the strength of every country, institution, society, family, and person of the world. At the same time, this has prompted us to expand our capabilities as a government, society, institution, or individuals. India has taken up this challenge and the status of personal protective equipment (PPE kits), testing and other medical infrastructure related to covid care and treatment bears testimony to the efforts.

PM Modi pointed out that ventilators and oxygen concentrators are being given to hospitals in remote areas. More than 1,500 oxygen plants are being built. Amidst all these efforts, skilled manpower is very important. To support the present force of COVID warriors one lakh youth is being trained. This training should be over in two-three months.

PM Modi further informed that the top experts of the country have designed these six courses as per the demands of the States and Union territories. The training will be provided to Covid warriors in six customized job roles namely Home Care Support, Basic Care Support, Advanced Care Support, Emergency Care Support, Sample Collection Support, and Medical Equipment Support etc. This will include fresh skilling and upskilling of those who have some training in this field. This campaign will give fresh energy to the health sector frontline force and will also provide job opportunities to our youth.

Skill India Mission

The Prime Minister said that the Corona period has proved how important the mantra of skill, re-skill, and up-skill. The Prime Minister said the Skill India Mission was launched separately for the first time in the country, a Skill Development Ministry was created and many Prime Minister’s Skill Development Centers were opened in the country. Today, Skill India Mission is helping millions of youngsters every year so that they can avail training according to the needs of the day. Since last year the Ministry of Skill Development has trained lakhs of health workers across the country, even amidst the pandemic.

The Prime Minister said, ‘’Given the size of our population, it is necessary to keep increasing the number of doctors, nurses, and paramedics in the health sector. Work has been done with a focused approach over the last 7 years to start new AIIMS, new medical colleges, and nursing colleges. Similarly, reforms are being encouraged in medical education and related institutions. The seriousness and the pace at which they work on preparing the health professionals is going on now is unprecedented.’’

Health professionals such as ASHA workers, ANM, Anganwadi, and health workers deployed in the dispensaries in the villages are one of the strong pillars of our health sector and are often left out of the discussion. They are playing a major role in preventing the infection to support the world’s largest vaccination drive, he added.

PM Modi lauded these health workers for their work and efforts as during all the adversities they ensured the safety of every countryman. He said their role and contribution are huge in preventing the spread of infection in villages in remote areas and in hilly and tribal areas.

The Prime Minister said that numerous guidelines have been issued related to the campaign which will begin from 21st June. People below 45 years of age will get the same treatment for vaccination as for people above 45 years of age. The central government is committed to providing free vaccines to every citizen while following appropriate COVID protocol.

The Prime Minister wished the trainees and said he believed that their new skills will be used in saving the lives of all the citizens.