Latest news with #SoPs
The Hindu
4 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Delhi HC seeks Centre's stand on SoPs for sample collection, transport of lab test
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre to submit a status report on its progress in finalising standard operating procedures (SoPs) for sample collection and transport, and storage for all laboratory tests, noting with concern that the 'next Covid Pandemic is far from over' and appears to be active in the community. The court was dealing with a contempt petition filed by Dr Rohit Jain, who said that that despite directions of the High Court in January 2023, no guidelines have come to be formulated by the Centre with respect to establishment of minimum standards for sample collection. Pursuant to the order, a decision was taken to constitute four sub-committees of experts of pathology, biochemistry, haematology and microbiology. The members of the committee were from Central Government Hospitals and were tasked with formulating Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for sample collection, sample collection centres, and the transport of samples, including guidelines on storage standards. Justice Anish Dayal noted that that while a meeting had been held on May 30, 2023, to deliberate on these issues, there is no update on outcome of that meeting or any resulting decisions. 'Considering that the next Covid Pandemic is far from over and in fact, active, amongst the community, today, as per news reports, the vacuum, if any, of steps taken post the meeting of 30th May 2023, is a serious issue,' the court said in it May 28 order. 'This assumes certain urgency, considering that there are wide reports of COVID-19, being active in the community, as on date; it would, therefore, be expected from the respondent to crystallize an urgent set of measures, in order that these SoPs are in place and whatever decision was taken in the meeting, has reached its proper conclusion,' the court said. The Court has asked Ms Monika Arora, Central Government Standing Counsel, to personally ensure that relevant officers are apprised of the directions and that a comprehensive status report is filed within six weeks. It posted the case for further hearing on July 18.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Health
- Hindustan Times
Delhi HC flags rising Covid-19 cases, seeks urgent action on lab guidelines
The Delhi high court has asked the Centre for an update on the status of guidelines for laboratories on the collection and transportation of Covid-19 samples amid a sudden resurgence of the outbreak. Justice Anish Dayal, while hearing a contempt plea over the Centre's delay in formulating such guidelines, said that the situation cannot be taken lightly given the recent spike in cases. 'Considering that the next Covid-19 pandemic is far from over and in fact, active among the community today as per news reports, the vacuum, if any, of steps taken post the meeting of 30 May 2023 is a serious issue,' the judge said in an order dated May 28, made available later. The court noted that although the Centre had initiated action by forming expert sub-committees, further delay could have serious implications. 'This assumes certain urgency, considering that there are wide reports of Covid-19 being active in the community as on date; it would, therefore, be expected from the respondent to crystallise an urgent set of measures in order that these SoPs are in place and whatever decision was taken in the meeting, has reached its proper conclusion,' justice Dayal added. The comments came during a hearing on a contempt petition filed by Dr Rohit Jain, who alleged that the Centre failed to comply with the court's earlier direction to establish minimum standards for Covid-19 sample collection and transport. On January 27, 2023, the court had instructed the government to make a decision on Jain's petition within 12 weeks. In the last hearing, the Centre's standing counsel Monika Arora informed the bench that four sub-committees had been constituted to define the Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for sample collection, collection centres, and transportation policy. These committees, composed of experts from pathology, biochemistry, haematology, and microbiology, were formed following a meeting held on May 30, 2023, under the chairmanship of the Additional Director General of Health Services. While the court acknowledged the Centre's initiation of the process and noted that contempt did not lie in this context, it underlined the urgency of concluding the work begun a year ago. The Centre has now been directed to file a status report within six weeks. The matter will next be heard on July 18. The petitioner's grievance rests on the Centre's failure to act on the January 2023 direction. Jain, in his plea, asserted that the absence of proper regulations for diagnostic laboratories poses a public health risk and that the Centre had neglected to act despite clear court orders. The court's order comes amid fresh alerts triggered by rising Covid cases in parts of Asia. Countries such as China, Thailand, and Singapore have reported new waves, prompting Indian authorities to step up surveillance and preparedness. On May 23, the Delhi government issued an advisory instructing hospitals to ensure readiness in terms of beds, oxygen, essential medicines, vaccines, and equipment. 'Hospitals must ensure preparedness in terms of availability of beds, oxygen, antibiotics, other drugs and vaccines. All equipment such as ventilators, Bi-PAP, oxygen concentrators and PSA must be in functional condition,' the advisory stated. All positive Covid-19 samples are to be sent for genome sequencing to Lok Nayak Hospital, it said. According to data from the ministry of health and family welfare, Delhi has 483 active Covid-19 cases as of Monday.
India Today
4 days ago
- Health
- India Today
Covid far from over: Delhi court seeks report on sample testing as cases surge
The Delhi High Court has directed the Central government to submit a status report within six weeks on the policy for Covid-19 sample collection, transport and testing, stressing that the pandemic is "far from over". The court's order comes in light of recent news reports highlighting a rise in Covid-19 cases across the direction was issued on May 28 after the court noted that no update had been provided regarding the outcome of a key meeting held on May 30, 2023. In that meeting, the Centre decided to constitute four expert subcommittees, comprising specialists in pathology, biochemistry, haematology and microbiology from Central Government Hospitals, to define Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for sample collection, set up collection centres and formulate a policy for transport and storage of Covid-19 the court acknowledged that a Contempt Petition may not stand given that such a decision had been taken, it expressed concern over the apparent lack of follow-up. "Even though on first blush, the Contempt Petition may not vacuum, if any, of steps taken post the meeting of 30th May 2023, is a serious issue," the court said. Observing that there are "wide reports of Covid-19 being active in the community," the court underscored the urgency of formalising protocols and submitting a clear status update. "Though the Court is sanguine that steps would have been taken and protocols would have been in place, it is imperative for the respondent to place the same on record," it court directed Central Government Standing Counsel (CGSC) Monika Arora to personally ensure that the concerned officers are apprised of the order and that a detailed status report is filed within six weeks. The matter will next be heard on July 18, of 8:00 am on Monday, India had 3,961 active Covid-19 cases and 28 deaths, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. In the national capital Delhi, the active cases stood at Watch
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Climate
- Time of India
District Gears Up for Monsoon: Control Rooms Activated, Mock Drills Underway
1 2 N agpur: As monsoon rains lashed the region before its usual date of arrival, the district administration launched full-scale preparedness efforts to minimise disaster risks. Disaster management officer Ankush Gawande confirmed that two high-level review meetings were held — first on May 7 and the second on May 23 — to streamline coordination across departments. All frontline departments were alerted and are fully prepared to respond to any emergency, he said. As part of the preparedness measures, 20 control rooms have been activated — six at the district level and one in each of the 14 talukas. Each control room is staffed by a minimum of three personnel. Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) are in place and ready for immediate implementation. A major joint mock drill involving all frontline departments was successfully conducted at Futala on May 8, demonstrating coordinated response readiness. In addition, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are conducting taluka-level mock drills to strengthen ground-level preparedness. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Czas na przygodę online (Dołącz) Gra Przygodowa Zagraj teraz Undo These drills are crucial in ensuring that all response teams are in sync and trained to handle any situation. Gawande stressed that while monsoon-related disasters vary through the season, the immediate concern during this early phase is lightning strikes. "Lightning activity is typically intense during this period, and we urge individuals, especially those working in open fields, to take proper precautions," he said. "Avoid seeking shelter under trees during storms and be aware of weather alerts." The district is also actively running awareness campaigns to educate residents about lightning safety and other seasonal hazards. Gawande highlighted that most casualties occur when people are caught unaware in the fields during lightning strikes. So far, the district has reported four lightning-related deaths, with the most recent incident occurring last week. Looking ahead, flood risks become more prominent in August and September, once lakes, rivers, and nullahs begin to overflow due to sustained rainfall. "We are prepared for all phases of the monsoon," Gawande added, "but individual responsibility is just as important. Precaution can save lives." The administration's message is clear: be prepared, stay informed, and follow safety protocols to stay safe this monsoon.
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Business Standard
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Standard
All security precautions are in place in Maharashtra, says CM Fadnavis
The Maharashtra government has taken all security precautions, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Saturday, against the backdrop of the widening conflict between India and Pakistan. Fadnavis spoke to reporters in Alandi village after taking darshan of Sant Dnyaneshwar. "Pakistan is a terrorist state. They have been supporting terrorism, but India won't stop. Under the leadership of PM Modi, our armed forces are giving a befitting response to Pakistan," he said. When asked about the heightened security measures in Maharashtra, Fadnavis said a review meeting was held in Mumbai on Friday. "All security precautions have been taken in the state in the wake of the current situation. Security information is provided to the district units, and resources are being made available," he said. Fadnavis on Friday said the police, Coast Guard and Navy are on alert mode in the state, and all SoPs (Standard Operating Procedures) are being followed. "Police, Navy and Coast Guard are on alert mode. Regular exercises are being undertaken, and whatever steps are needed to be taken as per the war book' are being taken care of. We are on alert mode," he said. The senior BJP leader, meanwhile, brushed aside queries on the possibility of two factions of the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) coming together. "You ask this either to Supriya Sule (working president of NCP-SP) or Ajit Pawar (who heads NCP). Why are you making me 'Begani Shaadi Mein Abdulla Diwana?' he quipped.
