Latest news with #PunyaSalilaSrivastava
Time of India
3 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Health ministry seeks report on preparedness for Covid-19 by June 2
New Delhi: As Covid cases continue to rise across the country, the union health ministry has asked several states and union territories, including Delhi, to put preventive measures in place. As of May 28, India recorded 1,621 active cases with Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka accounting for over 90% of total active infections. In a letter dated May 29 to state chief secretaries and UT administrators, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava addressed the seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses caused by various pathogens, including Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and RSV. "A notable but gradual increase in cases of acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) due to SARS-CoV-2 is being seen in some parts of the country," the letter mentioned. She stated that most infections were mild, with current Omicron variants JN 1, XFG, and LF 7.9 causing typical symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat that resolve naturally. The letter instructed states and UTs to assess hospital readiness at district and sub-district levels, including medical colleges, tertiary care centres and other inpatient healthcare facilities. This includes ensuring the availability of diagnostics, essential drugs, PPEs, isolation facilities, oxygen supply, critical care beds and ventilator-supported beds. Facilities must conduct mock drills to verify oxygen preparedness. An action taken report has to be shared by June 2. The ministry emphasised following testing protocols as per operational guidelines: testing all SARI cases and 5% of ILI cases. SARI-positive samples have to be forwarded to regional VRDL centres for whole genomic sequencing. District Surveillance Units must monitor ILI/SARI trends, track SARI proportions among cases, and maintain regular data entry on the portal concerned. Through public health education, proper hand and respiratory hygiene practices, including appropriate cough etiquette and avoiding spitting in public, have to be promoted. Vulnerable groups, including elderly and immunocompromised individuals, should avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces or wear face masks in such environments. Also, individuals experiencing respiratory symptoms should monitor their health and seek medical attention if they develop serious symptoms like breathing difficulties or chest pain.
Mint
4 days ago
- Health
- Mint
Low vaccine stocks in focus as new covid variants spread
New Delhi: As Covid cases rise in India amid low vaccine stocks, the Centre has set up a committee to review the situation and ensure that the country is ready to manage the unfolding situation. The panel, constituted by health and family welfare ministry, met earlier this week and last week to discuss covid preparedness, including low vaccine stocks, surveillance, testing, beds, and medicines, said two people familiar with the matter, speaking on the condition of anonymity. The committee of nation's top scientists and officials called for keeping the surveillance strong, increasing the pace of testing and putting out advisory, said on of the two people. The panel also reviewed covid-19 vaccine stocks in view of the vulnerable and high risk population including the elderly or people with co-morbid conditions, and recommended augmenting the number of beds and medicines in the hospitals, the official said. The meeting was attended by officials from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Queries emailed to health minister JP Nadda's office, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, and health ministry spokesperson on 28 May remained unanswered till press time. The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and other government laboratories are conducting environmental surveillance, collecting and analyzing sewage samples to understand the latest covid-19 surge. Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru and Thiruvananthapuram are seeing a spike in new covid patients. India has reported 1,010 active covid cases till 26 May, with seven people succumbing to the infection. However, the health ministry is yet to officially confirm the mortality numbers. The country has already started the genome sequencing of covid-19 cases to identify the variant behind the recent surge, with the genome typing being done by the National Institute of Virology (NIV-Pune). Two new variants of coronavirus—NB.1.8.1 and LF.7—found in India have mutated from an earlier JN.1 variant. Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech manufactured billions of doses of vaccines for Indians and for supplying more than 100 countries during the first few wave of the pandemic. However, after the situation eased, the last Covid vaccine batches were manufactured a year ago, with no visibility on new stocks. 'Right now, the virus looks very mild. We are tracking the number of covid-19 cases and hospitalisations happening across the country, and alerted all the laboratories,' said the second government official cited earlier. 'We have discussed covid-19 preparedness measures and other surveillance strategies.' Medical research shows vaccines give two different levels of protection. The first is against infection which is short-lived, and naturally wanes in about six months. Besides, the virus is also continually changing. The second type of protection is long-lasting, and protects our internal organs against severe diseases. A government scientist, while speaking on the condition of anonymity, said that almost all the individuals have contracted covid-19 infection multiple times. 'People have developed hybrid immunity (natural plus immunity via vaccine). In this situation, the requirement of booster dose becomes very negligible. This infection is now very mild and thus a vaccine may not be needed,' the scientist said. 'Earlier also there was no strong recommendation for booster dose. Hospitalisation are primarily due to co-morbid or underlying health conditions. Also, vaccines do not prevent any infection.' Public health experts have said there was no reason to panic because the cases were mild, while advising developing vaccine for the newest variant. 'There are a few reports of the hospitalisation and deaths, but these deaths are being reported in patients with comorbidities. The Tamil Nadu government also said that the death which occurred was a co-incidental finding of covid, because we have ramped up our testing capacity,' said Dr Soumya Swaminathan, former director-general of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the former chief scientist at WHO. ICMR surveillance data indicates that there is not much increase in the severity of hospitals or deaths and a vaccine is anyway not going to prevent mild infections, Dr Swaminathan said, citing the Omicron wave despite vaccination. 'The immunity which we have now is protecting us that is why we are getting mild infections,' she said. 'Maybe in the future, it covid variant changes to another severe mutant, then we have to quickly modify and manufacture those vaccines and then have a program. Even in the current scenario, there does not seem to be any need for the boosters.' Dr Swaminathan suggested that companies must create a vaccine using the latest variant, which is possible to do now. 'The moment we get the genome sequencing data, companies should be able to create that vaccine. There's no point in giving the old vaccine made from an original strain of covid,' she said, adding the many companies in the West update their vaccines every year. The WHO has not classified the new covid mutation as 'variant of concern or variant of interest', and has advised senior and high-risk people to be careful and put masks when they go out. Covid vaccination approach has varied with every country, based on the disease burden, said Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, past president at Indian Medical Association (IMA), Cochin Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, citing the conservative approach of Scandinavian nations and aggressive vaccination in the US. 'India's population is already well-immunised. Our percentage of vaccination coverage is also high, with limited vaccine hesitancy. We rightly prioritised delivering vaccines to those who were at significantly greater risk of death and severe disease,' he said. 'In the subsequent years, the population has also been exposed to various versions of this virus. This has erased the lack of immune memory that had contributed to the deaths and severe disease in the early part of the pandemic.' 'The disease has become milder now, which changes the decision-making balance,' Dr Jayadevan said. 'While mitigation strategies are important to limit the spread, there is no role for universal booster vaccine shots at this time.'
Mint
6 days ago
- Health
- Mint
With State hospitals' essential medicine stock less than 40%, Centre sounds alarm bell
New Delhi: India's public health system, a cornerstone for millions, faces a critical shortage of essential medicines and diagnostic services, even as the country grapples with a rising burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Several states and Union territories (UTs)–including populous ones such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, West Bengal and Bihar, among many others–have less than 40% levels of essential medicines and diagnostic services available in government-run hospitals and health centres, said an official aware of the matter and as shown by a document reviewed by Mint. At the same time, the Centre has conveyed its unhappiness to states and UTs about consumers being unaware of a key central government scheme to provide free drugs at public healthcare centres. Gaps in implementation A communication from the Union health ministry on 7 May to the states and UTs, seen by Mint, pointed to gaps in the implementation of its FDSI (free drugs and diagnostics service initiative) program under the national health mission (NHM). 'These include gaps in the notification by state of the average number of drugs and diagnostics available across facilities, as compared to the recommended numbers outlined in the National Essential Drugs and Diagnostics Lists as per IPHS (Indian Public Health Standards)," the communication noted, adding that there is also a noticeable gap between data reported in state reports and data updated in the government's monitoring dashboard. However, the official cited above, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the matter of data gap is not worrisome. 'The states/UT governments have to update the data on the government's portal for effective monitoring and evaluation of FDSI," this person said. 'This is not a big issue; (it is) a regular matter." Also read | India's first public health university on the cards At present, a diagnostic module is being piloted in the DVDMS (drugs and vaccines distribution management system) to monitor the availability of diagnostic reagents and consumables. The DVDMS is an IT application that facilitates the implementation of the FDSI and improves the supply chain of drugs, sutures, and surgical items for district drug warehouses across India. The health ministry has now told states and UTs to update their lists of essential drugs and diagnostic tools to match national guidelines. They also need to evaluate their specific needs and provide feedback on any drug or diagnostic service. Queries emailed to the office of Union health minister J.P. Nadda, health secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, and health ministry spokesperson remained unanswered till press time. Prof Dr K Srinath Reddy, former, President of Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI): 'Availability of essential drugs and diagnostics at all public healthcare facilities is pivotal for meeting both major indicators of universal health coverage, which are financial protection and service coverage. Drugs and diagnostics contribute to a very high level of out of pocket expenditure, resulting in financial hardship to those who need healthcare, especially for chronic conditions. Health outcomes will be poor if healthcare providers are handicapped by absence of essential drugs and diagnostic aids. All efforts must be made by state and central governments to urgently fill these gaps." What are the minimum thresholds? The Centre has been trying to implement the Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) 2022 guidelines to provide uniform, high quality health services across all states. IPHS are essential benchmarks that ensure the delivery of minimum essential services through public healthcare facilities, including district hospitals, sub-district hospitals, community health centers, primary health centers, and sub health centres. In 2015, the Union health ministry launched the FDSI to provide free essential medicine at all public health facilities, with an aim to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure (OOPE). Both the marquee initiatives are being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM) to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), providing equitable, affordable and quality healthcare. Also read | Need thorough virtual checkups of public health facilities, Centre tells states According to the guidelines, a district hospital should have at least 375 essential medicines such as anti-infectives, cardiovascular medicines, anti-diabetic medicines, antidepressants, pain relievers, antineoplastic drugs, vitamin and mineral supplements, anticonvulsants, etc. A sub-district hospital needs to stock 325 medicines, community health centres 299 medicines, primary health centres at least 171 medicines, and sub-health centres need to store 105 medicines. As for free diagnostic services, a district hospital should have at least 134 diagnostic services, sub-district hospital (111), community health centre (97), primary health centre (63) and a sub-health centre must provide 14 services. Where are the gaps? According to information reviewed by Mint, states and UTs that have been red flagged by the Centre for having less than 40% availability of medicines as on 25 April 2025 are: Chhattisgarh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (DNHⅅ), Delhi, Gujarat, Haryana, J&K, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal. Also read | Cell planned to find treatments and vaccines for future pandemics Further, the following have less than 40% availability of diagnostic services at the government health facilities: Andaman & Nicobar Island, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi, DNHⅅ, Kerala, Maharashtra, Mizoram, Nagaland, Punjab, Assam, Bihar, DNHⅅ, Delhi, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand and Karnataka, Ladakh, Lakshadweep, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Odisha, Puducherry, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal Getting the message across The Centre has also raised concerns about common citizens and local public representatives often remaining unaware of FDSI, which limits their ability to fully utilize these essential services. The health ministry has directed the states and UTs to develop comprehensive strategies to promote awareness campaigns, and mandatory display of available drugs and diagnostic services at all health facilities. Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, public health expert & former past president, Indian Medical Association (IMA), Cochin Chapter, remarked that despite its goal to provide essential medicines and tests free of cost at public health facilities, many citizens — even in urban areas — apparently remain unaware of these entitlements. Also read | NMC asks medical institutions to establish dedicated Tobacco Cessation Centres 'This has resulted in a gap between planning and implementation," Jayadevan said. 'Limited public awareness and logistical hurdles are major barriers. While media coverage, posters and displays can improve visibility, real impact requires trained personnel, accurate data reporting, and digital integration via systems like DVDMS. Health equity starts with access — and access begins with awareness, supported by reliable systems that deliver."
India Gazette
7 days ago
- Health
- India Gazette
Covid-19 in India: Active cases climbs to 1,000 mark in India, 430 cases in Kerala
New Delhi [India], May 26 (ANI): India on Monday reported a total of 1,009 active COVID-19 cases in the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. As per the Health Ministry, India's COVID-19 update showed a total of 1009 active cases, with 752 new cases recently confirmed. According to the government data, Kerala currently tops the chart with the highest number of active cases at 430. Other states with notable case counts include Maharashtra (209), Delhi (104), Gujarat (83), and Karnataka (47). Earlier, a 21-year-old Covid-19 patient who was undergoing treatment at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Kalwa Hospital in Thane after testing positive died, Thane Municipal Corporation said. The 21-year-old from Mumbra was admitted for treatment at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Kalwa Hospital in Thane on May 22, 2025. On Saturday, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava reviewed the matter regarding COVID-19 cases reported across multiple states, mainly from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc., according to official sources. It is observed that most of these cases are mild and under home care. However, the Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and, through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely, the official sources said. According to the Union Health Ministry, most of the COVID case reported were mild and require no hospitalisation. The country continues to monitor respiratory illnesses through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR. The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health. While COVID-19 is now considered another type of viral infection, basic precautions such as hand hygiene, masks in crowded areas and avoiding unnecessary gatherings are still encouraged. (ANI)
Times of Oman
7 days ago
- Health
- Times of Oman
Covid-19 in India: Active cases climbs to 1,000 mark in India, 430 cases in Kerala
New Delhi: India on Monday reported a total of 1,009 active COVID-19 cases in the country, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. As per the Health Ministry, India's COVID-19 update showed a total of 1009 active cases, with 752 new cases recently confirmed. According to the government data, Kerala currently tops the chart with the highest number of active cases at 430. Other states with notable case counts include Maharashtra (209), Delhi (104), Gujarat (83), and Karnataka (47). Earlier, a 21-year-old Covid-19 patient who was undergoing treatment at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Kalwa Hospital in Thane after testing positive died, Thane Municipal Corporation said. The 21-year-old from Mumbra was admitted for treatment at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Kalwa Hospital in Thane on May 22, 2025. On Saturday, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava reviewed the matter regarding COVID-19 cases reported across multiple states, mainly from Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, etc., according to official sources. It is observed that most of these cases are mild and under home care. However, the Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and, through its multiple agencies, is proactively monitoring the situation closely, the official sources said. According to the Union Health Ministry, most of the COVID case reported were mild and require no hospitalisation. The country continues to monitor respiratory illnesses through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and the ICMR. The Union Health Ministry remains vigilant and proactive in monitoring the situation closely, ensuring that appropriate measures are in place to safeguard public health. While COVID-19 is now considered another type of viral infection, basic precautions such as hand hygiene, masks in crowded areas and avoiding unnecessary gatherings are still encouraged.
