North East Model: Minimized COVID-19 threats and a huge success
The North East Model of COVID-19 has been a huge success. The model in effect has helped declare five stated in the region COVID-19 free. This included Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Sikkim and Nagaland.
Highlights
Tripura had increased number of COVID-19 cases especially among CAPF (Central Armed Police Force). Assam, being the biggest state in the region has contained the disease in local clusters.
The Model
The North East Model was successful due to prompt responses from both Central and State Governments. They are as follows
- The medicine and equipment were delivered through Air Cargo and also by the Indian Air Force as well
- Number of testing facilities were increased
- Essential supplies were made available through Public Distribution System under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana.
Though, these were the major reasons of success. There are other factors as well. They are as follows
- There were no testing facilities in Sikkim and Nagaland while Assam had only 2 testing facilities. TrueNAT testing facility was begun in Sikkim. Trunat is a machine used to test tuberculosis. It was approved by ICMR to test COVID-19 cases in April 2020.
Red Army
Red Army was formed in the North East. The army consisted of wise old men and women that help villages and have great respect among the villagers. They were called gaon buras (male village elders) and gaon buris (female village elders). This helped reach the tribals easily that was the major contribution for the north eastern states to become COVID-19 free.
Lifeline Udan
The Lifeline Udan scheme was launched to provide essential commodities and medical cargo. The scheme supplied Personal Protective Equipment, gloves and masks.
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Month: Current Affairs - May, 2020