The Union Health Ministry has proactively directed several states and Union Territories, including Delhi, to intensify their preparedness and implement robust preventive measures.
As of May 28, India registered 1,621 active cases, with a significant concentration—over 90%—reported from Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This pre-emptive directive, articulated in a letter dated May 29 from Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava to state chief secretaries and UT administrators, underscores a strategic shift towards proactive public health management in the face of seasonal respiratory illnesses, striving to ensure sustainable, gender-neutral, and equitable health outcomes for all citizens within an eco-friendly urban fabric.
The Ministry’s communication acknowledges a notable, albeit gradual, increase in Acute Respiratory Illnesses (ARIs) attributable to SARS-CoV-2 in specific regions of the country. This seasonal surge is attributed to various pathogens, including Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). While most reported infections are mild, with current Omicron variants such as JN.1, XFG, and LF.7.9 presenting typical symptoms like fever, cough, and sore throat that generally resolve naturally, the government’s directive highlights a crucial emphasis on vigilance and readiness to prevent any potential escalation. This forward-looking approach is vital for maintaining public health resilience and supporting the broader vision of healthy, thriving urban environments.
A core tenet of the Ministry’s directive is the imperative for states and UTs to rigorously assess their hospital readiness across district and sub-district levels. This comprehensive evaluation extends to medical colleges, tertiary care centres, and all inpatient healthcare facilities, ensuring that the existing infrastructure can effectively manage a potential increase in patient load. Specific areas of focus include the immediate availability of essential diagnostics, a consistent supply of crucial drugs, adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), functional isolation facilities, a reliable oxygen supply, and a sufficient number of critical care beds, including those supported by ventilators. To validate this preparedness, facilities have been instructed to conduct mock drills, with an action taken report mandated for submission by June 2, reflecting a tight deadline for compliance and accountability.
Furthermore, the Ministry has reiterated the critical importance of adhering to established testing protocols as per operational guidelines. This involves mandatory testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases and a targeted 5% of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) cases. Moreover, all SARI-positive samples are to be promptly forwarded to designated regional Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) centres for whole genomic sequencing, enabling comprehensive variant tracking and epidemiological surveillance. District Surveillance Units have been tasked with diligently monitoring ILI/SARI trends, tracking the proportion of SARI cases among overall infections, and ensuring consistent and accurate data entry on the designated online portals, facilitating real-time situational awareness and informed decision-making at the national level.
Beyond clinical readiness, the Ministry has placed a significant emphasis on public health education and the promotion of proper hygiene practices. Campaigns are to be launched to encourage appropriate hand and respiratory hygiene, including responsible cough etiquette and discouraging public spitting, which are crucial for curbing the spread of respiratory pathogens. Specific advisories target vulnerable groups, such as the elderly and immunocompromised individuals, urging them to either avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces or consistently wear face masks in such environments. Individuals experiencing any respiratory symptoms are also encouraged to monitor their health closely and seek immediate medical attention should they develop serious indicators like breathing difficulties or chest pain, thereby empowering citizens to take proactive steps for their own health and the collective well-being of the community.
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