Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in his scheduled review meeting with chief ministers following the wake of the recent surge in coronavirus said the authorities needed to remain alert as challenged related to the pandemic had not yet gotten over.

He said vaccination of all eligible children at the earliest was a priority for the government and specialised programmes would have to be conducted for it in schools.

He said the country inoculation drive against the virus. It is a matter of pride for every Indian that 96 per cent adult population in country has got at least one dose of Covid vaccine, while 85 per cent of the eligible population above 15 years of age inoculated with the second dose.

“Despite managing the Covid crisis, as compared to other countries, we can see cases’ uptick in states now. We have to stay alert. It’s clear that the Covid challenge has yet not been surpassed,” Modi said.

“Our scientists and experts are continuously monitoring the national and global situation. We have to work on their suggestions with a pre-emptive, pro-active and collective approach,” he said.

Stating that health infrastructure had improved a lot due to joint efforts of the Centre and states, Modi called for scaling up of the same at medical colleges and district hospitals.