He was here to take a stock of the COVID-19 situation,public health and administrative measures to curb the spreadof the virus.
So far, 205 coronavirus positive cases have beendetected in Nashik district, of which 182 were found inMalegaon town alone. The number of deaths due to the infectionin the district is 12, all from Malegaon.
Talking to reporters here, Tope said, "The situationMalegaon is not yet out of control and all the necessary helphas been provided. As many as 100 doctors have been appointedthere, but some doctors have not joined the duty yet."
"District collectors have enough rights under theEpidemic Diseases Act 1897. If these doctors do not join duty,then their licences should be suspended," the minister said.
Tope said that reports of swab samples of patients,which remain pending for 10-15 days, might come negative.
"Therefore, the swabs of suspected patients that havebeen pending for a long period should be taken again.Precaution should be taken that the reports of swab samplesshould not be delayed for long," he said.
He also called for starting of fever clinics.
"For this, the services of private doctors andhospitals should be taken if needed," he said.
Tope said that in view of the paucity of healthofficials and employees in Malegaon, the Deputy Director,Health, has made available the services of the departmentstaff on deputation, he said.
State Home Minister Anil Deshmukh, AgricultureMinister Dada Bhuse, District Guardian Minister ChhaganBhujbal, Collector Suraj Mandhare, Divisional CommissionerRajaram Mane and other officials were present for the meeting. CORNP NP