The Goa government on Friday defended before the Bombay High Court its controversial decision to distribute Ivermectin tablets as preventive medicine against COVID-19. The tablets have been proven effective in studies conducted in many countries, it claimed. The state government earlier this month decided to distribute these tablets, used to treat parasitic infections, to all adult residents as preventive drug or treatment against COVID-19. Joint Secretary (Health) Vikas Gaunekar said in an affidavit that various studies conducted in different countries have shown that the medicine has a positive effect on prevention and treatment/cure of patients. The Goa bench of the Bombay High Court is hearing petitions regarding the state s response to the pandemic. One of the petitioners raised the issue of Ivermectin, saying that the WHO had not approved its use.
COVID-19 treatment now covered under Goa government s health scheme
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Last Updated: May 06, 2021, 05:51 PM IST
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Treatment for COVID-19 in government hospitals is free in the state. Patients can avail benefits for a maximum 10 days from the date of admission and they will be applicable only to DDSSY-empanelled hospitals with ICU facility.
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The notification said all charges, including admission, those related to medical consultancy, nursing, beds, diet, PPE kits, X-Ray, ECG and cardiac monitor, among others, will be covered under the scheme s package.
The Goa government on Thursday brought COVID-19 treatment under its flagship medical insurance scheme, which covers the entire population of the state. The move will allow patients to avail benefits under the Deen Dayal Swasthya Seva Yojana (DDSSY) while undergoing treatment for COVID-19 in private hospitals, according to a notification issued by Additional Secretary (Health) Vikas Gaunekar.
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COVID: Goa govt to provide free vaccine to 18-45 age group.
The Goa government will inoculate those between the ages of 18 to 45 against coronavirus free of cost, it announced today.
The state will be procuring five lakh doses of Covishield vaccine initially, it said.
State Additional Secretary (Health) Vikas Gaunekar informed the Directorate of Health Services about the decision in a letter.
The Union government earlier this week opened the COVID-19 vaccination drive for the entire adult population in the country and allowed states to purchase vaccines on their own. I am pleased to convey Government approval to provide COVID vaccine doses to all population in the age group 18-45 through the state government free of cost, Gaunekar said in the letter.
The state will be procuring five lakh doses of Covishield vaccine initially, it said. State Additional Secretary (Health) Vikas Gaunekar informed the Directorate of Health Services about the decision in a letter.