Health Ministry advises proactive monitoring, ramping up vaccination coverage, and strategic testing
In response to the surge in COVID-19 cases, the Indian government has emphasized the importance of enhanced surveillance and proactive measures to control the spread of the virus. The Union Health Ministry recently held a review meeting with 14 states and Union territories to assess the situation and provide guidance on key strategies. The meeting highlighted the need for continuous alertness, rigorous monitoring of clinical manifestations, and increased vaccination coverage.
Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stressed the significance of early identification of any atypical or unusual clinical presentations among COVID-19 patients. Rather than relying on random or anecdotal reporting, states were advised to closely monitor the epidemiological profile of admitted patients and report the findings to the health ministry. This approach will enable prompt detection of any out-of-the-ordinary manifestations, contributing to effective disease management.
One of the major concerns highlighted during the meeting was the low uptake of second and precautionary doses of the COVID-19 vaccine in states experiencing the surge. The states were urged to rapidly accelerate vaccination coverage, especially among the elderly population aged 60 and above. Additionally, it was emphasized that the second dose should be administered to individuals in the 12-17 age group. The ongoing ‘Har Ghar Dastak 2.0’ vaccination drive was called upon to be strengthened and promoted extensively.
The health ministry assured the states that there is no shortage of COVID-19 vaccines. However, it emphasized the importance of administering vaccines that are closer to their expiration date first, thereby preventing any wastage. NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr. Vinod Paul advised specific states reporting a spike in cases to remain vigilant and closely monitor the emerging pandemic situation. He emphasized the significance of strengthening proactive surveillance based on the Revised Surveillance Strategy issued by the Union Health Ministry on June 9.
In addition to surveillance, states were advised to enhance strategic testing of patients coming to fever clinics, as well as those with Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza-like Illness (ILI) symptoms. The focus should also be on identifying new clusters and geographies reporting higher positivity rates. Whole genome sequencing through the mapped labs of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) network was stressed to better understand the virus’s variants and inform public health strategies.
The states were also reminded to expedite the processing of claims under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Package: Insurance Scheme for Health Workers Fighting COVID-19′ to ensure timely payment of insurance dues to healthcare providers who have lost their lives due to COVID-19.
As the country gears up for forthcoming festivals, the states were advised to prioritize the implementation of COVID-appropriate behavior to curb the spread of infection.
