INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
NEW DELHI: In response to the evolving public health situation in China, the Union health ministry of India has taken a proactive stance by
initiating a comprehensive review of preparedness measures against respiratory illnesses
The health ministry has issued advisories to all states and Union territories, urging them to immediately reassess and reinforce public
health and hospital preparedness measures.In a statement on Sunday, the ministry said it has decided to proactively review preparatory
measures against respiratory illnesses as a matter of abundant caution
"This is noted to be important in view of the ongoing influenza and winter season that results in an increase in respiratory illness cases
The Government of India is closely monitoring the situation and indicated that there is no need for any alarm," it said
The directive encompasses the implementation of the 'Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in the context of Covid-19,'
aimed at strengthening the healthcare infrastructure at both state and district levels.In a letter to all states and Union territories, the
Union health secretary has advised them to immediately review public health and hospital preparedness such as availability of beds, drugs
and vaccines for influenza, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment, testing kits and reagents, functionality of oxygen
plants and ventilators, and infection control practices.The state authorities have been asked to send nasal and throat swab samples of
patients with SARI, particularly children and adolescents, to the Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories for testing for respiratory
pathogens.The cumulative effect of implementation of these precautionary and proactive collaborative measures is expected to counter any
potential situation and ensure the safety and well-being of the citizens.The move comes as a precautionary measure to ensure that the
country is well-equipped to handle any potential challenges in the wake of emerging health concerns.China reports Influenza-like illness
outbreak among children; India monitors situationOne of the key aspects of the advisory is the close monitoring of trends related to
Influenza, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus
However, the health ministry has reassured the public that the situation is under close scrutiny, and there is currently no need for
alarm.Meanwhile, China's health ministry, recognizing a surge in respiratory illnesses, has urged local authorities to increase the number
of fever clinics as the country faces its first full winter since easing Covid-19 restrictions
Last week, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised global concerns, requesting more information from China, following a report on
clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia in children by the Program for Monitoring Emerging Diseases.This spike has reignited questions about the
transparency of reporting, a concern previously raised during the early days of the pandemic that originated in Wuhan in late 2019
Responding to queries, the WHO clarified on Friday that no new or unusual pathogens had been found in the recent illnesses.The Union health
ministry in India, is meanwhile, closely monitoring the situation.(With inputs from agencies)
