Covid 19 pandemic has brought about way too much chaos into our social fabric, affecting peoples’ lives at all levels. Cities and small have had to fight for essentials like oxygen cylinders, hospital beds and medicine.
Indian Masterminds recently brought to you how Auraiya district of Uttar Pradesh was actively fighting the virus and keeping it under control, with the help of District Magistrate Mr Sunil Kumar Verma. For his unconditional efforts and determination, this IAS officer of 2013 batch has been awarded the prestigious ‘Certificate of Commitment’ about which he exclusively talked with us.
WORLD BOOK OF RECORDS, LONDON
According to Mr Verma, he received the surprise of his life when he came to know that he would be honoured with ‘Certificate of Commitment’ by the World Books of Records, London.
He received the certificate for ‘better management according to WHO standards’ and for ‘working in the public interest in the second wave of the Corona epidemic’. The certificate was issued on behalf of the organisation’s Head of Europe, Mr Wilhelm Jezler.
Talking to Indian Masterminds, Mr. Verma said, “There exists some norms according to which if one has adopted corona treatment procedures, then they are eligible for the award.”
SURVEY FOR JUDGMENT
The team of the Records Book did a countrywide survey in all the districts, wherein they judged the Covid conditions of the regions, keeping third-parties, media houses, and news publications as their basis of judgment.
“Rest, they gathered collective information from Government of India’s Covid portal wherein details related to each and every district is available and made a proper profile of every district on the basis of which people are nominated for the award,” Mr Verma told Indian Masterminds.
Point to be noted is that this is the first time that a District Collector has received the award. “Usually, the award is given to big organizations, NGOs or Governments such as state governments. Never have they awarded a collector before,” Mr Verma added.
The honor was given by Manoj Kumar, representative of World Book of Records and Uttar Pradesh Head.
COVID CONTROL IN AURAIYA
During the second wave of Covid 19, the mortality rate in Auraiya remained low, oxygen supply was maintained and “free service camps” were also run for the relatives of the patients.
Talking about how he made this possible, Mr. Verma told Indian Masterminds, “We followed the ‘three Ts : Test, Track, and Treat’ which are fundamental steps as enunciated by our Chief Minister.”
Furthermore, he appointed monitoring committees (`nigrani samitis’) that included ANM workers, ASHA workers, Gram Pradhans, and teachers for door to door testing, distribution of medicines, and temperature testing etc.
As many as 30 Rapid Response Teams monitored the entire district and collected samples of people and further on, all of those tested positive were treated for Covid. “We had about 200 beds and the highest bed occupancy was only 130. We never faced any scarcity of oxygen or beds in the district. GPS tracked trucks also ensured the availability of oxygen cylinders at all times,” added Mr Verma.
AWARD FOR THE DISTRICT AND ITS PEOPLE
Said the officer,“This honor is dedicated to the people of Auraiya, corona warrior doctors, administrative officers, oxygen management Raghav ji and public representatives and media brothers who supported the administration in difficult circumstances.”
Mr. Verma also announced that soon he would honor doctors, administrative officers and entrepreneurs working in corona epidemic management with ‘Auraiya Ratna’.
