India handled Covid better than many countries: Amit Shah

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, September 28

Lauding the collective efforts made by all wings of the government including National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Union Home Minister Amit Shah today said, “India has handled the Covid-19 pandemic in the best possible manner in comparison to other countries in the world despite limited resources.”

Speaking at an event to mark the 17th foundation day of the NDMA here, Shah also announced that the government would soon launch the “Aapda Mitra” (Friends in Disaster) project in 350 districts across the country by imparting training to citizens as first responders to any disaster.

The Home Minister noted that despite limited resources and with such a large population of 130 crore, India has fought the Covid-19 pandemic in the best possible manner among all countries because of the collective efforts made by all wings of the government. He added, “If an analysis is done by any neutral agency, it will come to the conclusion that the country has done very well in fighting the pandemic and substantially reducing the death rate.”

Many countries had a tough time in dealing with the Covid-19 infections, Shah praised the NDMA for its commendable work during the two waves the pandemic.

Referring to the cyclone that had hit some parts of the country during the pandemic, the minister said it was due to the excellent planning and preparations that not a single oxygen plant was damaged and there was no power cut to oxygen plants and hospitals in cyclone-affected areas. “We have done excellent preparation under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership,” he said.