NE NEWS SERVICE
NEW DELHI, DEC 23
Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday held a virtual meeting with health ministers of states and Union territories over rising COVID-19 cases in some parts of the world. The meeting was held to discuss preparedness in the country amid reports of spiralling Covid cases in China and a few other countries.
Also, stressed on combating the pandemic with a pre-emptive & proactive approach by increasing testing, genome sequencing and following COVID-appropriate behaviour.
— Dr Mansukh Mandaviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@mansukhmandviya) December 23, 2022
During the meeting, the Union Health Minister advised states to be on the alert and keep all preparedness for Covid management. “Centre and states need to work in a collaborative spirit as we have done during the previous surges,” Mandaviya stated.
Live: Press Conference https://t.co/f6JwC5v6m5
— Rushikesh Patel (मोदी का परिवार) (@irushikeshpatel) December 23, 2022
The virtual meeting was held in the presence of Dr. Bharati Pravin Pawar, Union Minister of State for Health and Dr V K Paul, Member (Health), NITI Aayog to review the public health preparedness for containment and management of COVID-19 and progress of national COVID-19 vaccination campaign in view of the recent upsurge in cases in some countries like China, Japan, Brazil and the United States.
Union Health Minister referred to the message of the Prime Minister from the high level review meeting held yesterday and advised States to be on the alert and keep all preparedness for COVID19 management. States were requested to continue with pre-emptive & proactive approach. He urged States to strengthen the surveillance system for whole genome sequencing of positive case samples to track the variants through Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network to ensure timely detection of newer variants, if any, circulating in the country. Focus is to be given to health facility-based sentinel surveillance; pan-respiratory virus surveillance; community-based surveillance; and sewage/wastewater surveillance. He highlighted the “Need to collectively reinvigorate the system & remove any sense of complacency and fatigue”.
ஒன்றிய அரசின் மாண்புமிகு சுகாதாரத்துறை அமைச்சர் திரு.மன்சுக் மாண்டவியா அவர்கள் தலைமையில் இன்று புதுடெல்லியில் நடைபெற்ற அனைத்து மாநில சுகாதாரத்துறை அமைச்சர்களுடனான கொரோனாதடுப்புநடவடிக்கைகள்குறித்த கலந்தாய்வுக்கூட்டத்தில் காணொளிகாட்சிவாயிலாக கலந்து கொள்ளப்பட்டது. @mansukhmandviya pic.twitter.com/lfy16duZpt
— Subramanian.Ma (@Subramanian_ma) December 23, 2022
Dr. Mandaviya said that irrespective of the new COVID variants, ‘Test-Track-Treat-Vaccinate & Adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour’ continue to remain the tested strategy for COVID management. This would facilitate undertaking of appropriate public health measures, he said. States/UTs were also requested to expeditiously increase the rate of testing from the current rate of 79 tests per million, as on week ending 22nd December, 2022. They were further advised to increase the share of RT-PCR in tests.
Union Health Minister advised States/UTs to ramp up vaccination of all eligible population, especially of the elderly and vulnerable population group. He cautioned against spreading of misinformation by ensuring dissemination of factually correct information in a timely manner. In view of the upcoming festive season, he stressed on the importance of public awareness campaigns regarding adherence to Covid Appropriate Behaviour. Dr Mandaviya requested the State Health Ministers to personally monitor and review the preparedness of all infrastructure and ensure there is adequate stock of essential medicines.
States/UTs were briefed on the global COVID-19 situation and the domestic scenario. They were reminded that Union Health Ministry has already issued “Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in context of COVID-19” in June 2022 which calls for early detection, isolation, testing and timely management of suspected and confirmed cases to detect and contain outbreaks of new SARS-CoV-2 variants. Union Health Minister requested States/UTs to ensure effective implementation of the same. There was comprehensive and detailed discussion on various aspects of COVID management including ramping up of hospital infrastructure; increased testing.
States appreciated the timely review meetings chaired by the Hon. Prime Minister and the Union Health Minister and advisories from the Union Health Ministry. They assured that they will work with the Centre for effective prevention and management of COVID-19. They informed that they are maintaining vigil and are reviewing the present situation. States also assured they will hold mock drill for readiness of hospital infrastructure on 27th December, 2022.
Dr. Manohar Agnani, AS (Health Ministry), Lav Agarwal, AS (Health Ministry), Mandeep Bhandari, JS (Health Ministry), Dr. Atul Goel, DGHS, and senior officials of the ministry were present in the meeting.
No need to get panic, India has a high level of hybrid immunity : Apollo Hospitals
Private sector healthcare major Apollo Hospitals on Friday announced that India has a high level of hybrid immunity and no need to get panic. . In case of symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a fever and cough, one should contact a doctor or call the COVID helpline for guidance. One should get tested and isolate oneself if the results are positive for COVID.
In a public awareness campaign, Apollo Hospitals said, ““The news of the COVID situation in China is leading to many rumours and conversations not based on scientific facts about the impact on India and the rest of the world, but we believe there is absolutely no need to panic. India has a high level of hybrid immunity. As a result of the high vaccination coverage, over 220 crore doses given as on date and infection with the Omicron variant in early 2022. However, it is always advisable to take precautions such as using masks in a crowded place, avoid crowded places, especially for vulnerable groups, maintaining social distance, frequently washing hands and using sanitizers. One should also take the booster dose of the vaccine if not taken yet, across all eligible age groups. In case of symptoms of a respiratory illness, such as a fever and cough, one should contact a doctor or call the COVID helpline for guidance. One should get tested and isolate oneself if the results are positive for COVID. To reiterate, there is no need to panic, take precautions and be safe”
