Maharashtra sets up task force to give push to COVID-19 fight

Mumbai, Apr 13 () As coronavirus cases and deathsmount in Maharashtra, especially in Mumbai, the government onMonday set up a task force of nine senior doctors to give afillip to its fight against COVID-19 by providing guidance tohealth professionals and streamline services in the state.

The doctors, drafted in the panel from the statecapital, have been tasked with playing a key role in tacklingthe unprecedented health crisis in Maharashtra, which has sofar reported more than 2,300 cases and 160 deaths.

In an official statement, chief secretary Ajoy Mehtasaid, The nine doctors are from Mumbai would contribute inthe ongoing fight against COVID-19.

"They will also be available for guidance to doctorsand medical staff from other parts of the city."

Mehta said most of the COVID-19 patients who have diedso far had pre-existing diseases.

The state has so far reported more than 2,000 casesof COVID-19 (2,334 till Monday night) and mortality rate isaround 6-7 per cent, he said.

Out of these, some 80 per cent patients had pre-existing illnesses such as diabetes, high blood pressure andother chronic diseases, said Mehta.

The task force would also monitor treatment, ICUprocedures, movement of ambulances and help in streamlininghealth services, he said.

Mumbai city alone accounts for 1,540 COVID-19 casesand 101 deaths so far. NDRSY RSY