So as to assess the COVID-19-related situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to gauge public health preparedness. The high-level meeting was held to address the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in India along with influenza infections.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) stressed to focus on the 5-fold strategy of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour, testing, tracing, treatment, and vaccination. Emphasis will also be placed on enhancing lab surveillance and diagnosing severe acute respiratory illness cases. In order to ensure adequate preparedness of hospitals, Modi stated that mock drills have to be conducted at regular intervals.
PM Modi also instructed health officials to fine-tune whole genome sequencing of positive cases by enlisting the assistance of designated INSACOG genome sequencing laboratories. “This will support tracking of newer variants, if any, and timely response,” the PMO stated.
The PM also called attention to COVID-appropriate behaviours like wearing masks in hospitals by patients and healthcare workers. He further insisted that people should wear masks, especially when vulnerable demographics like senior citizens and individuals with co-morbidities are in the vicinity.
Moreover, the PM highlighted that required drugs and adequate infrastructure for testing and treatment will have to be in place, including sufficient beds and human resources. He also remarked that the pandemic is nowhere near over and there is a need for effective tracking throughout the country. According to the figures provided by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, COVID-19 cases in India surged by 1134 in a single day – a record rise in 2023. As per recent estimates, there are 7026 active COVID-19 cases.