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-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) by district and state surveillance teams.It is having much impact on children: Expert on H9N2 outbreak in ChinaThe increase in respiratory illness is reportedly attributed to common causes such as 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)