MA&UD (Municipal Administration & Urban Development) Minister KT Rama Rao stated that Hyderabad is taking care not only of Telangana but also of patients from Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. He declared his sincere and heartfelt thanks for the fabulous efforts of both government and private healthcare workers. 

In an interactive session held over two hours with the hashtag #Askktr, the minister addressed Twitter questions on various aspects of Covid-19 pandemic and the ongoing vaccination process. 

Hyderabad Pharma City to Gain Global Importance 

Representatives from the pharma industry asked KTR his opinion on future development. He answered that the pharmaceutical industry in Hyderabad was so long a national project. However, it is clearly going to be a global project now. 

On the subject of state vaccine acquisition, the Minister declared that 85% of all production was mandated by the government of the Union. All States and institutions must compete with each other for the remaining 15%. When the state population is 3.6 crore, vaccinating enough portion of the population is challenging, said the minister. 

The minister explained, "Follow medical experts’ advice (not WhatsApp experts’ advices); stay mentally strong, plan ahead for post-Covid, stop watching news channels and stop reading unnecessary WhatsApp/Facebook posts. Learn as much as you can; even walk if you are able to. Don't self-medicate,” said the minister.   

The minister stated that the right direction for citizens is to seek assistance in relation to Covid-19. When the Minister was interviewed about starting vaccination for people above 18, he said that availability of vaccine is a problem. “We are doing everything that we can to start vaccine drive for younger people. At the moment, we want all the 45-lakh people who took the first dose to get the second dose,” he said.  

In response to the vaccination discharge question in Telangana, the Minister said informed that about 70% of the vaccinated population should break the chain ideally. We must vaccinate 1.9 crore people out of the 2.9 crore adult population. We need 3.8 crore doses because it's a two-dose vaccine. 

With regard to further extending the lockdown, the minister replied that the state cabinet would make the decision. 

For all questions or problems with regards to Covid-19, please contact 108/104. You can also call 040-2111111, if you're a GHMC resident.

By: Shailaja K