Ayurvedic Drug On COVID-19 To Be Put On Trial: Union Health Minister

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Dr. Harsh Vardhan on Thursday said the government will conduct a clinical trial to assess the efficacy of ayurvedic drug ashwagandha as a preventive intervention among healthcare professionals and high-risk COVID-19 population.

The randomised controlled trial is a joint initiative of the ministries of AYUSH, health, and science and technology through the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).

Earlier, the minister directed the States to ensure adoption of Infection, Prevention & Control (IPC) practices in all healthcare settings.

At a high level meeting with health ministers of Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal and Odisha, the minister said States need to focus on effective surveillance, contact tracing and early diagnosis to keep low fatality rate.

“Surveillance for acute respiratory infections and influenza like illness should be intensified in unaffected districts and districts which have not reported cases from last 14 days. It will help indicate the presence of any possible hidden infection at an early stage and ensure timely containment,” he said.

In view of the surge in number of migrant labour expected to reach the States in the days to come, Dr. Harsh Vardhan exhorted the States to draw up strategy and mechanism for their testing, quarantine, and treatment. He also called for similar steps for immigrants from abroad.