All districts were been directed to conduct the mock drill in their respective health care facilities. The focus of the drill was on the availability of bed capacities, including isolation beds, oxygen-supported beds, ICU beds, and ventilator-supported beds, as well as the availability of human resources, including healthcare professionals trained in COVID-19 management and healthcare workers trained in the operation of PSA plants.

The mock drill also evaluated the availability of referral services, such as Advanced and Basic Life Support (ALS/BLS) ambulances and a functional ambulance call center, in addition to the optimal geographical representation of health facilities covering all districts.

Deputy Commissioners, in close consultation with officers of the Health Department of the State, oversaw the mock drill. The objective of the exercise was to provide a real-time experience of screening and managing a case in an epidemic/pandemic situation.

The purpose of conducting a mock drill is to test the knowledge and efficiency of staff in managing emergencies using available resources and hospital protocols to prevent any chaotic situations. The drill evaluated the preparedness of hospitals and the ability of their staff members to identify and manage emergency responses for handling COVID-19 cases.

The Health Minister, Col. Dhani Ram Shandil, along with Dr. Gopal Beri, DHS, HP, visited CH Kandaghat, Block Syri, District Solan, to monitor the mock drill. Dr. Sudesh Kumar Mokhta, MD NHM HP, evaluated the drill at Zonal Hospital DDU Shimla, District Shimla. The District Surveillance Units uploaded the data regarding the mock drill by the health facilities on the COVID Portal.

The mock drill is a proactive measure by the state government to ensure that health facilities are fully prepared to tackle any sudden rise in COVID-19 cases. By conducting such drills, the state government aims to ensure that health facilities are well equipped with the necessary infrastructure and human resources to handle emergencies in a timely and efficient manner.

Notably as on April 12, the hill state of Himachal Pradesh is reeling under 1863 active cases. Kangra with 476 is the most active followed by Mandi with 379 active cases. The overall positivity rate in the previous week was recorded to be around more than 6 per cent. The hill state is among those few states of the Nation where a surge in COVID cases is being noted since past month.

In HP overall around 317432 people have tested positive till date and 4206 have lost life to the pandemic.