In light of the recent surge in pneumonia cases in China, the Centre has issued directive to review preparedness in India. Amongst all, the healthcare infrastructure of five states including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, have been put on high alert.
As per media reports, the respiratory illness is largely known to affect the infants, the elderly, pregnant women, the immunocompromised, and those on long-term medications such as steroids, who may require hospitalisation.
It has been reported that all the medical colleges and hospitals, including private facilities, have been requested to report cases of severe acute respiratory illness, acute respiratory illness or influenza-like illness in the IDSP-IHIP portal.
Here's a brief account of how the five states are taking pre-emptive measures.
Karnataka
Urging the citizens to be aware of the seasonal flu in regard to the illnesses, the Karnataka Health Department issued an advisory.
The seasonal flu is an infectious disease that typically lasts five to seven days and is known for its low morbidity and mortality rates.
Tamil Nadu
In a bid to take the pre-emptive measures, the Tamil Nadu Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine has alerted the health department to intensify surveillance for respiratory illnesses in the state.
Moreover, the health department has also been asked to strengthen the facilities to manage the patients.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan's medical and health department advised its staff to stay vigilant and form rapid response teams.
In its advisory, the state's health department asked officials concerned to prepare an action plan for the prevention and treatment of the disease.
Gujarat
The Gujarat government also issued a circular, in which all hospitals were ordered to remain on alert. Doctor Rakesh Joshi, Superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, said state-run hospitals have once again started preparations, keeping in mind the mysterious virus spreading in China.
Uttarakhand
Uttarakhand Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar has issued guidelines in this regard.
He asked medical teams to monitor symptoms of pneumonia and influenza in children.
Centre issues advisory
In light of the suddden surge of oneumonis cases in neighbouring China, the Union Health Ministry issued an advisory on Sunday.
In its advisory, the Centre explicitly menioned that said the current situation is not that alarming, but it is closely monitoring the same.
"In view of the recent reports indicating a surge in respiratory illness in children in northern China in recent weeks, the Union Health Ministry has proactively decided to review the preparedness measures against respiratory illnesses, as a matter of abundant caution. This is noted to be important in view of the ongoing influenza and winter season that results in an increase in respiratory illness cases. The government of India is closely monitoring the situation and indicated that there is no need for any alarm," the ministry said.
Union Health Secretary has also written a letter to the states and UTs advising them to immediately review public health and hospital preparedness measures.
"All States and Union Territories have been advised to implement 'Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in the context of Covid', shared earlier this year, which provides for integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens presenting as cases of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI)," the Union Health Ministry's letter said.
