In response to a recent uptick in COVID-19 cases, the Union Health Ministry has directed all states and Union territories to ensure the availability of essential resources, including oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and critical medicines.
This directive follows a series of high-level technical review meetings held on June 2 and 3, chaired by Dr. Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS).
The discussions included officials from the Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), central government hospitals in Delhi, and representatives from state and UT health departments.
The focus was on evaluating the current COVID-19 scenario and reviewing public health preparedness at the national and state levels.
Sources confirmed that surveillance units at the state and district levels, operating under IDSP, are actively monitoring trends in Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).
By established guidelines, all hospitalised SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases are to undergo testing.
Positive SARI samples are being sent for Whole Genome Sequencing via the ICMR’s Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDL) network to track possible variants.
As of June 4, India has reported 4,302 active COVID-19 cases, representing an increase of 864 cases within the previous 24 hours. Most of the new infections are reported to be mild and are being managed through home isolation. Since January 1, a total of 44 Covid-related deaths have been recorded, largely among patients with underlying health conditions.
To assess system readiness, a nationwide mock drill was conducted on June 2 to evaluate the functionality of oxygen supply infrastructure, including Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants, Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) tanks, and Medical Gas Pipeline Systems (MGPS). Additional facility-level mock drills are scheduled for June 4 and 5.
Authorities have urged the public to follow preventive measures such as maintaining hand hygiene, practising cough etiquette, and avoiding crowded areas when symptomatic.
Individuals experiencing acute respiratory symptoms are advised to monitor their condition closely and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen.
Officials also emphasised the importance of relying on credible sources like the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s official website and Press Information Bureau (PIB) updates to stay informed and avoid misinformation.
The Union Health Ministry reiterated its commitment to safeguarding public health through proactive measures and transparent communication, assuring continuous monitoring and timely interventions as the situation evolves.
