Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Journalism of Courage
Premium
This is an archive article published on November 26, 2023
Amid pneumonia outbreak in China, Centre asks states to review hospital preparedness
The Centre has also asked the states and UTs for surveillance of respiratory pathogens presenting as cases of influenza like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI).
Residents wearing masks pass by a children's hospital in Beijing on Friday. (Photo: AP)
Listen to this article
Amid pneumonia outbreak in China, Centre asks states to review hospital preparedness
x
00:00
At a time when China is seeing a spike in respiratory illnesses as it enters its first full winter season after lifting Covid-19 restrictions last December, the Centre has initiated a review of the preparedness measures to combat such illnesses, saying that it is closely monitoring the situation and there was no need for alarm.
“In view of the recent reports indicating a surge in respiratory illness in children in northern China in the 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. Government of India is closely monitoring the situation, and indicated that there is no need for any alarm,” a statement by the Health Ministry informed.
It added: “In a letter by Union Health Secretary to States and UTs, they have been advised to immediately review public health and hospital preparedness measures viz. availability of HR, hospital beds, drugs & vaccines for influenza, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment, testing kits and reagents, functionality of oxygen plants and ventilators, infection control practices in health facilities, at a senior level.”
The Centre has also asked the states and UTs to implement ‘Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in the context of Covid-19’, 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).
“They have also been asked to ensure that the trends of ILI/SARI should be closely monitored by the district and state surveillance units of Integrated Disease Surveillance Project, particularly of children and adolescents,” the statement informed.
Advertisement
Loading Recommendations...
Advertisement
Live Blog