India has only 0.1 million COVID cases in population of 1.3 billion people: Harsh Vardhan

Union Health and Family Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan on Friday said that in a country of 1.35 billion people, re are only 0.1 million cases of COVID-19. This comes as re are a total of 1,18,447 confirmed COVID-19 cases in India including 48,534 people cured, 66,330 active cases and 3,583 deaths and one migrated. 

"Today we have a mortality of 3 per cent only. In a country of 1.35 billion, re are only 0.1 million cases of COVID19," he said.

"India faced COVID-19 in a proactive and pre-emptive way, with unmatched scale and determination. recovery rate is above 40 and doubling rate is 13 days," he added.

Dr Vardhan took up new assignment at 147th session of WHO Executive Board, being held virtually. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus welcomed him for new role: "I would like to congratulate and welcome Dr Harsh Vardhan on his election as new chair. Dr Harsh Vardhan, you have a tough act to follow but I'm sure you will do it with same energy and commitment as Dr Nakatani."

"I am aware I am entering this office at a time of global crisis on account of this pandemic. At a time, when we all understand that re will be many health challenges in next two decades. All se challenges demand a shared responsibility," he said.

READ: Coronavirus Live Updates: India's cases soar to 1,18,447; Railways reopen ticket counters

India was among 10 nations that were elected by 73rd World Health Assembly to  Executive Board of WHO for a period of three years. or new members include Botswana, Colombia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Madagascar, Oman, Republic of Korea, Russia, and  United Kingdom.

One of primary functions of Board is to implement decisions and policies of WHA and facilitate its work. chairman of board is selected on a rotational basis for one year among regional groups, whereas WHA is decision making body of WHO.

While expressing condolences on lives lost due to COVID-19 pandemic and expressing gratitude to COVID warriors who are at forefront of battle,  Union Minister also spoke about India's response to deadly virus by elaborating on how  Indian government on a war footing implemented proactive measures against virus.

READ: 12 people test positive for COVID-19 in HP, total rises to 165

Meanwhile, as country battles with deadly Coronavirus pandemic, total count of COVID-19 cases is rising by hour. As many as 6,088 COVID-19 cases were detected across country on Friday, making it highest spike in 24 hours, surpassing previous high. As many as 150 coronavirus patients succumbed to death in last 24 hours.

States such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Delhi are reporting COVID-19 cases at an alarming rate as financial capital and national capital continues to possess a large number of red zones and  hotspots in country.

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(with inputs from ANI)

(Im Credits: PTI)