New Delhi: In view of a spike in Influenza cases in the country and the rise of Covid-19 cases in the past two weeks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today chaired a high-level meeting to review the status and preparedness of public health response to Covid-19 and Influenza.
The Prime Minister was briefed that India has been witnessing a slight rise in new cases of Covid019 with average daily cases reported as 888 and weekly positivity reported as 0.98% in the week ending March 22, 2023. However, 1.08 lakh daily average cases have been reported globally during the same week.
He was further informed that the availability and prices of 20 main Covid drugs, 12 other drugs, 8 buffer drugs and 1 influenza drug was being monitored.
The Prime Minister directed officials to enhance Whole Genome Sequencing of Positive Samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories, which would support tracking of newer variants if any, and timely response.
Modi emphasized Covid-appropriate behaviour including wearing masks on hospital premises by both patients, health professionals and health workers. He also stressed that wearing masks was advisable when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visited crowded areas. He highlighted that Covid-19 pandemic was far from over and there was a need to monitor the status across the country on regular basis.
The Prime Minister was also apprised of the Influenza situation in the country, particularly with respect to a higher number of cases of H1N1 and H3N2 being noted in the last few months.
Modi directed that effective monitoring of Influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) cases, and testing for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and Adenovirus be followed up with States. Further, Prime Minister stressed the need to ensure the availability of required Drugs & Logistics for Influenza & Covid-19 across Health Facilities along with the availability of sufficient beds and health human resources.
He also advised to continue focusing on the 5-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Covid Appropriate Behaviour, enhance Lab Surveillance and testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases. Mock drills should be conducted regularly to ensure that our hospitals are ready for all exigencies, he said.
Prime Minister further exhorted the community to follow respiratory hygiene and to adhere to Covid appropriate behaviour in crowded public places.
The meeting was attended by PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to PM, Dr VK Paul, Member (Health) NITI Aayog; Rajiv Gauba, Cabinet Secretary; Secretary, Health & Family Welfare; Secretary, Pharmaceuticals and Secretary, Biotechnology; Director-General, Indian Council of Medical Research, Amit Khare, Advisor, PMO along with other senior officials.
– global bihari bureau
