TFP Bureau, New Delhi, Nov 26, 2023: The Union Health Ministry has taken a proactive stance in reviewing preparedness measures against respiratory illnesses, considering the emerging public health situation in China. This decision comes in response to recent reports indicating a surge in respiratory illnesses among children in northern China. The ministry, exercising an abundance of caution, aims to assess and reinforce the nation’s readiness, particularly in the context of the ongoing influenza and winter season, which traditionally witnesses an uptick in respiratory illness cases.
In a communication addressed to States and Union Territories, the Union Health Secretary has advised an immediate review of public health and hospital preparedness measures. This includes a comprehensive evaluation of human resources, hospital bed availability, drugs, and vaccines for influenza, medical oxygen, antibiotics, personal protective equipment, testing kits, reagents, oxygen plants, and ventilators. The directive emphasizes a senior-level scrutiny of infection control practices in health facilities.
Furthermore, all States and Union Territories are urged to implement the ‘Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in the context of COVID-19,’ issued earlier this year. These guidelines advocate integrated surveillance of respiratory pathogens, especially influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory illness (SARI). Close monitoring of ILI/SARI trends, particularly in children and adolescents, is emphasized, with data required to be regularly uploaded on the Integrated Disease Surveillance Project (IDSP)-Indian Health Information Platform (IHIP) portal.
States are also instructed to dispatch nasal and throat swab samples from SARI patients, particularly children and adolescents, to Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for testing respiratory pathogens. The collective implementation of these measures aims to preemptively address potential situations and safeguard the well-being of citizens.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently shared information about an increase in respiratory illnesses in northern China. The rise is attributed to common causes such as influenza, Mycoplasma pneumonia, and SARS-CoV-2. According to WHO, the surge is influenced by the relaxation of Covid-19 restrictions coinciding with the onset of winter, coupled with the cyclical trend of respiratory illnesses. While the WHO has sought additional information from Chinese authorities, the situation is currently assessed to pose no cause for alarm. The Government of India remains vigilant, closely monitoring developments in collaboration with international health organizations.
