Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan launches COVID Katha

New Delhi: Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan has launched a multimedia guide called COVID Katha. Vardhan said, "I have found it as extremely useful and exemplary science communication solution for the people at large in the present scenario. It is freely accessible on smart phones, desktop computers as well as other electronic devices." He also said during the launch that the guide will help many health workers and COVID warriors who are fighting this situation. 

This project was conceotualised by Dr. Manoj Kr Patairiya, head, National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC), DST, Government of India. The project was produced by a team of Dr Anamika Ray Memorial Trust (ARMT), Guwahati, headed by Dr Ankuran Dutta, managing trustee of ARMT.

It was designed by Nituparna Rajbongshi, cartoonist and Dr Sanjib Bora.

Vardhan had earlier said that the coronavirus pandemic has come in India as a blessing in disguise as it has given impetus to various activities under the Make in India project.

The Health Minister while addressing a video conferencing with autonomous institutes and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) under the Department of Biotechnology, said, "this pandemic has come as a blessing in disguise for India as lots of activities have also started in make in India. We are now manufacturing PPEs and have over hundred manufacturers in the country. We are making 1 lakh to 1.5 lakh PPEs everyday in the country".

Vardhan also said that the whole country has been waiting very anxiously for the contribution of the Indian scientists whether it is about discovery of new drug or successful trial of drugs which are used at present, or discovery of a vaccine or indigenous testing kits.

Lauding the efforts of the Department of Biotechnology, Harsh Vardhan said that it is supporting a number of companies in research and vaccine development.

https://www.sentinelassam.com/national-news/pandemic-blessing-in-disguise-for-india-says-health-minister-harsh-vardhan/