Increase testing samples of SARS Cov 2, PM advises to all states

Hyderabad: Testing of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and genome sequencing of these samples is very important to track the new variant of SARS Cov 2.

Emphasis on increasing the testing of samples was stressed in the high-level meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assess the Covid 19 and influenza situation in the country.

The meeting held on Wednesday evening discussed:

Health infrastructure and logistics readiness, the status of the vaccination campaign, the emergence of new Covid-19 variants and Influenza types, and the public health implications for the country.

This high-level review was carried out due to a spike in influenza cases in the country and an increase in Covid-19 instances in the last two weeks.

The meeting discussed the need for effective surveillance of IRI/SARI cases and testing for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and Adenovirus to be followed up with States.

The Prime Minister emphasized the importance of ensuring the supply of essential drugs and logistics for influenza and Covid-19 throughout health facilities, as well as the availability of sufficient beds and health personnel resources.

A comprehensive presentation was provided detailing the global Covid-19 situation, including the growing instances in India, by the Secretary of Health, MoHFW.

Increase of cases in India and the World

The Prime Minister was informed that India had seen a minor increase in new cases, with an average daily case count of 888 and a weekly positive rate of 0.98% in the week ending March 22nd, 2023. During the same period, however, 1.08 lakh daily average cases were reported internationally.

Covid 19 medicines and drugs

The health ministry briefed on the availability and costs of 20 key Covid Medicines, 12 additional pharmaceuticals, 8 buffer drugs, and 1 influenza drug are being tracked.

There is also an increase in influenza cases, with H1N1 and H3N2 cases increasing in the population.

Follow Covid Appropriate Behaviour

The PM stressed the importance of Covid proper behaviour, particularly the use of masks in hospitals by patients, health professionals, and health workers.

He also emphasized the importance of wearing masks when visiting busy areas for senior citizens and those with co-morbidities.

He emphasized that the Covid-19 outbreak is far from done and that there is a need to regularly assess the situation across the country.

The Prime Minister advised that the 5-pronged policy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Covid Appropriate Behavior be maintained.

He also asked to Follow Respiratory Hygiene protocols:

- Wearing Masks at Hospitals

- Masks for Senior Citizens

- Mock Drills in Hospitals for preparedness

- Availability of emergency drugs