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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
Navigating the JN.1 Wave: A Data-Driven Blueprint for India's Healthcare Ecosystem
India's COVID-19 landscape is once again in flux. As of May 2025, the JN.1 subvariant dominates the national caseload, accounting for over half of all sequenced infections . While the current wave is less severe than the devastating Delta surge of 2021, the numbers and nuances behind this resurgence demand a sober, data-driven response. It's an opportunity to refine our strategies and build a more resilient healthcare system. The JN.1 Surge: Numbers That Matter The JN.1 strain—a descendent of the BA.2.86 lineage—has outpaced earlier variants due to its enhanced transmissibility and partial immune escape INSACOG data shows JN.1 now comprises 53 per cent of sequenced samples in India, with BA.2 and other Omicron sub lineages trailing behind . Daily new infections, while officially modest (257 active cases as per government reporting), are widely believed to be undercounted, especially in urban clusters of Kerala, Karnataka, and Maharashtra, where local spikes and test positivity rates have exceeded 16 per cent in some areas Crucially, while most cases remain mild—mirroring trends seen in Singapore and Hong Kong—there is a notable reinfection rate, a testament to JN.1's immune-evasion capabilities . Hospitalisations are significantly lower than during previous peaks, but the variant's ability to slip past existing antibodies means that complacency is not an option .We've learned valuable lessons from past waves, and we can apply them to navigate this one effectively. Vaccination remains our strongest shield, yet just 32 per cent of eligible adults have received a fourth dose, leaving hundreds of millions exposed to potential complications . Encouraging wider adoption of booster doses is a key priority. The case fatality rate hovers at 0.4 per cent, with the vast majority of deaths occurring among the unvaccinated and those with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension . This highlights the importance of targeted interventions for vulnerable populations. Industry-Wide Preparedness: Three Pillars 1. Infrastructure and Resource Optimization India's hospital ecosystem is adapting. Leading private hospitals have maintained 30–40 per cent surge-ready beds, compared to just 10–15 per cent in public facilities—a gap that is even more pronounced in tier-2 and tier-3 cities . Strengthening infrastructure in public facilities, particularly in underserved areas, is crucial for equitable access to care. National stockpiles of antivirals like Paxlovid are being managed with rapid replenishment cycles, and telehealth now handles a quarter of mild COVID cases, reducing pressure on physical infrastructure . 2. Financial Resilience and Insurance Gaps The pandemic has laid bare India's chronic underinsurance: nearly 70 per cent of the population lacks health insurance and relies on government facilities, leading to catastrophic out-of-pocket expenses for many . Expanding health insurance coverage is essential for financial security and access to quality healthcare. Public-private partnerships (PPPs)—such as Ayushman Bharat 's empanelment of over 12,000 private beds—are a lifeline, but coverage and awareness remain patchy, especially outside major metros . We need to continue fostering these partnerships and improving awareness of available resources. 3. Workforce Readiness Urban hospitals have improved staff-to-patient ratios, but rural areas still lag, and burnout remains a concern despite recent improvements . Mandatory leave cycles and mental health stipends have halved burnout rates since 2023, but long-term resilience will require systemic investment in healthcare workers. Supporting our healthcare workforce is paramount. We must prioritize their well-being and invest in their training and development. Bridging the Health Insurance Divide With over 930 million Indians dependent on public healthcare, insurance reform is non-negotiable . Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY) offers ₹5 lakh coverage per family per year, but only 45 per cent of eligible families are enrolled, hampered by barriers in awareness and accessibility . Pilot micro-insurance schemes in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu are showing promise, offering daily plans as low as ₹5 for informal workers. Government proposals to cap private COVID treatment costs at 110% of CGHS rates could prevent financial ruin for millions . These initiatives demonstrate a commitment to expanding access to affordable healthcare, and we should explore further opportunities to build on this progress. Community Mobilization: Lessons from the Frontlines The success of India's vaccination drives has hinged on relentless community engagement. Door-to-door campaigns in states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have boosted fourth-dose coverage, while mobile testing vans in Odisha and Chhattisgarh have improved rural diagnostics and early containment . Targeted awareness campaigns—leveraging WhatsApp, community radio, and local influencers—have chipped away at vaccine hesitancy, which has dropped from 28 per cent to 12 per cent in some states . These successes underscore the power of community-based approaches. We should continue to invest in these strategies and tailor them to local needs. A Call to Collective Action The JN.1 wave is a litmus test for India's healthcare equity. Three imperatives stand out: Boost vaccination coverage: Target a 50 per cent fourth-dose uptake by December 2025 (currently at 32 per cent). This is an ambitious but achievable goal that requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. Strengthen public infrastructure: Allocate at least 30 per cent of health budgets to district hospitals and primary health centers, especially in underserved regions. Investing in public health infrastructure is a long-term strategy that will benefit all data analytics: Real-time genomic sequencing of at least 10 per cent of cases must guide hotspot interventions and resource allocation. Data-driven decision-making is essential for an effective and efficient response. Conclusion: Equity as the Foundation of Resilience Pandemics amplify systemic inequities. For India, resilience depends on merging the efficiency of the private sector with the reach of public health systems. As we navigate the JN.1 wave, let's ensure that no Indian—insured or uninsured—is left behind. The blueprint is clear: data-driven policy, robust insurance, and community mobilization are not just options, but working together, we can build a more equitable and resilient healthcare system for all. Stay informed. Stay united. This article is written by Anurag Yadav , CEO, Gleneagles Healthcare India (DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and does not necessarily subscribe to it. shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person/organisation directly or indirectly)
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Health
- The Hindu
Three COVID-19 samples from Telangana sent for genome sequencing, all belong to LF.7.9 variant: INSACOG
As COVID-19 cases begin to rise again across the country, Telangana has reported a minimal increase with four active cases, according to the latest figures on the national COVID-19 dashboard. The State, which had zero active cases until a few weeks ago, has now begun sending positive samples for genome sequencing as a precautionary measure. Data from the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) reveals that Telangana has submitted three samples for sequencing. Kiran Madala, head of Anaesthesia at Gandhi Medical College, Secunderabad, and a COVID-19 researcher, confirmed that the samples were sent on May 5 and May 16, and all three were identified as the LF.7.9 variant. The LF.7.9 variant has, so far, been detected only in India. Preliminary assessment suggests that it is a mild variant. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has not yet released specific information or a detailed classification about this variant. Dr. Madala added that, as of June 3, a total of 118 samples had been sent for sequencing from across India. Among those, 58 belonged to the XFG variant, 34 to LF.7.9, 16 to XFJ and three to JN.1 while seven samples were attributed to other variants. The move to initiate sequencing in Telangana follows directions from Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha, who asked officials to step up genomic surveillance in light of the national trend. INSACOG data also shows that the NB.1.8.1 variant, currently surging in Singapore, has been detected in one case in Maharashtra, added
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Health
- New Indian Express
LF.7.9, XFG sub-variants of SARS-CoV2 detected in Odisha as cases surge
BHUBANESWAR: Amid growing concern over a fresh surge in Covid-19 cases and deaths in the country, Odisha has detected two of the latest SARS-CoV2 sub-variants raising fresh public health alerts, especially during the monsoon that sees spurt in flu cases. Of the five samples sequenced so far in May, sources at the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) said, the state has recorded two cases of LF.7.9 cases and three cases of XFG, both descendants of Omicron, which had led to long Covid waves in 2020-22 killing millions of people. The two sub-lineages, now fuelling cases in the country, are specifically traced back to JN.1, the variant behind global waves in late 2023 and early 2024. Odisha is among the first few states which have detected the new strain XFG. While the LF.7 is now under observation along with two others - NB.1.9.1 and PL.8.1 by the WHO as variants-under-monitoring, the studies are underway to determine the transmissibility and potential impact of XFG. 'Though these variants do not appear to be causing severe disease so far, they are marked by higher transmissibility and immune evasion capabilities. Their spike protein mutations may enhance their ability to bind to human lung cells. But vaccine-induced protection against symptomatic and severe disease will remain effective,' a scientist associated with the genome sequencing told TNIE.
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Health
- Indian Express
Why Covid cases are rising, why you needn't worry
The Health Ministry this week said fresh cases of Covid-19 have been seen mainly in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala, and that a new subvariant, NB.1.8.1, had been detected in at least one sample. This sample, which was collected and sequenced in April, was submitted to INSACOG, India's Covid-19 genome sequencing consortium, from Tamil Nadu. Several countries are reporting Covid-19 surges; World Health Organisation (WHO) data show noticeable increases in South-East Asia. On May 13, Singapore reported a rise from 11,100 cases during April 20-26 to 14,200 during April 27-May 3. What is the current situation in India? There were 1,010 active infections as of Tuesday evening, according to data on the Health Ministry's Covid-19 dashboard. The largest number of cases (43%) were in Kerala, followed by Maharashtra (21%). Delhi, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu had 10%, 8%, and 7% of cases. Since May 19, deaths have been reported in Maharashtra (3), Kerala (2), and Karnataka (1). However, the Ministry has said 'more details are awaited' before these deaths can be attributed to Covid-19. The outbreak seems to be geographically limited. The numbers of active cases were in double digits in only nine states on Tuesday, and only Kerala, Maharashtra, and Delhi had more than 100 cases each. However, a clearer picture is expected to emerge over the next fortnight, as testing of symptomatic individuals increases. Official data on hospitalisation are not yet available. But large hospital chains have not reported any significant increase in Covid-19-related admissions. The few patients who have been admitted mostly have pre-existing comorbidities — which suggests that new cases are not, as of now, leading to severe disease. What is triggering the increase in cases? While reporting their surge on May 13, the Singaporean health authorities pointed out that periodic waves of Covid-19 — like other endemic respiratory diseases — were expected throughout the year. SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for Covid-19, has not disappeared, but it no longer behaves like an unpredictable emergency — rather, it has become part of a recurring cycle of illnesses, similar to the flu. Several factors could be contributing to the rise in cases: Which new variants have emerged, and which one is currently widespread? Three categories of variants are closely monitored. JN.1 accounted for 16.3% of sequenced cases in the epidemiological week that ended on February 2. Singaporean authorities have reported that two JN.1 descendant lineages — LF.7 and NB.1.8 — make up more than two-thirds of locally sequenced cases. However, they have clarified that 'there is no indication that the variants circulating locally are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to previously circulating variants.' In India, the virus in most samples sequenced over the past couple of months has been identified as either BA.2 or JN.1. Health officials have said there is no indication that they are more transmissible or cause more severe disease compared to earlier variants. What precautions should you take? If you're in a crowded place, or have symptoms like a runny nose, sore throat, headache, or a fever, it's important to wear a mask. According to the 2023 AIIMS/ ICMR-COVID-19 National Task Force guidelines, people with mild symptoms should isolate at home. At home, you should maintain physical distancing, wear a mask, and practice good hand hygiene. Mild cases can usually be managed with rest, fluids, and medicines for symptom relief. Stay hydrated, monitor your temperature and oxygen levels (SpO2), and be in touch with your doctor. Do not use antibiotics unless there's a clear sign of a bacterial infection. Seek immediate medical attention if you have trouble breathing, your oxygen level drops to 93% or lower, or if you have a high fever or severe cough lasting for longer than five days. Those older than 60, or with heart disease, diabetes, a weakened immune system, tuberculosis, chronic lung, kidney, or liver disease, or obesity, or those who are unvaccinated should be extra cautious.
The Hindu
27-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Health Matters Newsletter: How to stay ready for future pandemics
It's time to address the elephant in the room: for a few weeks now, that elephant has been COVID-19. For some time now, the number of confirmed COVID cases have been rising in certain parts of the world, particularly in South East Asia. Meanwhile, India which had very nearly stopped routine testing for suspected COVID infections also picked up the cue, and began testing for the condition. A slow, and gradual increase was noticed, over the weeks. Bindu Shajan Perappadan recorded that the Active Covid cases in India had climbed to 1009 this week. About 305 people had been treated, and there were seven deaths last week. What followed the news on rise in cases in South east asia was a great deal of panic reporting by sections of the media. Every case has been breathlessly reported, while forgetting that for a country with a 1.2 billion people, the current number of cases is hardly even a blip on the radar. Of course, the price of having gone through one ghastly pandemic is eternal vigilance, and we have learnt that the hard way. There is no doubt that testing has to be scaled up, vaccines and boosters should be made available again to all those who require it, and hospitals need to gear up in order to face a large scale crisis if one were to emerge in the future. Do read Saima Wazed's important piece, in this context: A medical oxygen access gap SE Asia must bridge . South Asia and East Asia and the Pacific have the highest unfulfilled demand for medical oxygen (the oxygen service coverage gap in these two regions is 78% and 74% respectively), and there is a clear and urgent need for action to rectify this. But, and this is key: there is not yet a COVID crisis in the country. Numbers still continue to be in the 100s range and most people seem to recover without major, notable complications. INSACOG has reported that most of the Sar-CoV-2 samples sequenced in India over the last couple of weeks were BA.2 and JN.1 variants, milder variants with home care sufficient for those who test positive. Officials in the Health Ministry also confirmed that there was no indication that the current variants cause more severe disease, but also that it was not more tranmissible than previously. However, as we learnt the last time, it is important to take care of people who are more vulnerable, have a robust surveillance network for picking up influenza like illnesses, and respiratory conditions. For an explainer on What's behind the recent Covid-19 spike in India? , hit the link. Amidst all this, that the WHO members adopted the 'pandemic agreement' born out of disjointed global COVID response came as good news. In short, the World Health Organization's member countries on approved an agreement to better prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics in the wake of the devastation wrought by the coronavirus. The treaty guarantees that countries which share virus samples will receive tests, medicines and vaccines. Up to 20 % of such products would be given to the WHO to ensure poorer countries have some access to them when the next pandemic hits. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus has touted the agreement as 'historic' and a sign of multilateralism at a time when many countries are putting national interests ahead of shared values and cooperation. While the effectiveness of the treaty is being undermined by the United States opting to sit this one out, it augurs well that other nations have come together to offer a broad swathe of protection to even people in nations who may not be able to afford the cost of newer vaccines or diagnostic facilities. Working on the principle, not of charity, but of the entrenched belief in public health that no one is safe until every one is safe, this pandemic agreement could make the difference between life and death for some people, in a crisis. Incidentally, India reaffirms commitment to global health at World Health Assembly . India addressed the plenary session of the 78th World Health Assembly on Wednesday, (May 21, 2025) reaffirming its commitment to global health equity under the theme 'One World for Health', while reaffirming its faith in working together with other nations. Staying on COVID, before we meander into the jungle of health news, FDA panel is split on updates to COVID shots as questions loom for fall vaccinations . Agencies reported that government advisors were split on whether drugmakers need to update their COVID-19 vaccines for next season, a decision overshadowed by confusion over a new Trump administration policy that may limit which Americans can get the shots. Earlier, the FDA said routine vaccine approvals will be limited to seniors and younger people with underlying medical risks, pending new research for healthy adults and children. In other news on the infectious diseases front, we hear from Tamil Nadu that the State government has decided to expand its vaccination coverage, after a study flagged a rise in Japanese encephalitis cases . There has been a noticeable increase in cases (more than five cases) in districts outside of endemic areas such as Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu and Tenkasi, the study found, spurring the government to action. Soujanya Padikkal writes in the epaper on the newer antibiotics in the market and the emergent resistant strains too. As we continue to tackle the challenges of antimicrobial resistance, time to factor in newer, emergent issues , she says, while talking about the newer antibiotics molecules in the market and the pipeline. After nearly 30 years, new antibiotics are now available, and that does provide more tools in the armamentarium, but neither are our older microbial resistance issues in the part nor are our newer drugs immune to resistance. A tough task at hand for the government, which is being looked up to, to lead antibiotics stewardship. Last week, I wrote about the Second Lancet Commission on adolescent health . It has recorded some gains; particularly in survival, but indicates need for more investments, laws to ensure the wellbeing of the largest bulwark of adolescents we will every have. There are several areas of concern mentioned, including climate change, the poverty of data, the impact of social media, non communicable diseases creeping up early, all impinging on the physical and mental health of adolescents and youth. Relatedly, Dr. Pushkala M.S. examines why obesity in children is a growing concern in India . Two concerns present themselves - unhealthy diet choices, and lack of physical activity and will have to be addressed in a wholesome manner. Athira Elssa Johnson and Meghna M. write a detailed piece on why the CBSE's sugar board mandate is a starting point for integrating nutrition education into school curricula. The most effective interventions during childhood are eventually those that have been inculcated at the school. Dr. Maria Antony's article on how preferring Screentime over playtime will impact on children's mental health is an article every parent should read. Dr. V. Mohan writes an elaborate article on prevention of diabetes, much before it begins, here . He explains that there are four types of prevention. Primordial prevention refers to a reduction of risk factors for diabetes such as obesity or physical inactivity, thereby decreasing the risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes in the future. Primary is prevention (or postponement) of diabetes in those in a pre-diabetes stage, while secondary prevention refers to the prevention of complications of diabetes in those who have already developed diabetes. There is also tertiary prevention which is used to describe limiting physical disability and preventing progression to end-stage complications in those who have already developed some complications of diabetes. Fitness coach Raj Ganpath chimes in about what it is that prevents India from exercising enough and why this needs to change . He reasons that we come from a past of heavy physical labour and simple eating. While the concept of exercising did exist in a certain quarter, it was not essential to the culture or the society, because of the rather tough labour day most people had to endure. R. Sujatha, meanwhile, had a piece following up on the WHO's advisory on using low sodium salt substitutes: Apparently, these are yet to take off in Chennai . Keith Diaz, in a piece in The Conversation, also brings up the newer paradigm: Sitting is the new smoking! Too much sitting increases risk of future health problems in chest pain patients, as per new research. Adding to the stress and the causative factors for the onset of non communicable diseases is the lack of sleep - another plague of modernity. Here, Dr. N. Ramakrishnan explains Why poor sleep and sleep deprivation are under-recognised public health issues . Onto yet another kind of stress - this time, heat related. In a full-pager, Nandita Shivakumar and Apekshita Varshney ventured inside i nside Tamil Nadu's textile factories where they found women reel under harsh summer heat . There is certainly a major role for private factory managements and the government to ensure that effective cooling relief for their women workers, but it is also the responsibility of the global brands who contract work out to these units to ensure that the workers are in good health, they argue. It turns out not just the women in the factories, about 3/4th of India's population is at 'high' to 'very high' heat risk. A CEEW study identified Delhi, Maharashtra, Goa, Kerala, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, as among the top 10 regions at highest heat risk. This is not going away with the monsoon showers. It will keep coming back in greater power, possibly, year on year, so it is best to prepare ourselves against the onslaught of the weather. Have you heard of using oral sunscreens as sunblocks? Well, dermatologists say it is a myth . Dermatologists emphasise that supplements marketed as oral sunscreens are only supportive therapies and should never replace broad-spectrum topical sunscreen. In an interesting development, an ICMR-funded trial led by CMC Vellore found that CAR-T therapy can be safely manufactured at hospital ; and experts have called for Early medical care for pelvic organ prolapse symptoms in order to improve the quality of life of women. Tailpiece Cat stories and jumbo stories pick themselves as internet's favourites. And here, this jumbo story is part of our tailpiece as well. Did you read about how 400 pills a day have to be fed to elephants with TB in Pakistan . This involves administering the tablets — the same as those used to treat TB in humans — hidden inside food ranging from apples and bananas to Pakistani sweets. Explainers Dr. C. Aravinda tries to explain the biology behind sterilisation: Going beyond the blame game: understanding sterilisation and its limits Zubeda Hamid examines, on the lines of the U.S. Health Secretary RFK Jr.'s autism research push, what is actually needed for autism care? Geetha Srimathi in the All you need to know about series, writes about Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus while Meenakshy S. writes vitiligo P.S. Niranjana explains the history behind the iconic Caduceus symbol . Manjeera Gowravaram asks: Does neurodegeneration start when blood vessels are damaged? Also read: Abhinay Lakshman Union government to launch fresh round of a nationwide survey to examine patterns of substance use Dr. Monisha Madhumita Beyond fairness: marking International Skin Pigmentation Day with awareness and acceptance Afshan Yasmeen Dementia — the urgent need for India to invest in elder care Unregulated hair transplant practices in India: experts raise health and medical ethics concerns Science quiz: On digestive health Study validates India's first ICMR-SCD Stigma Scale for sickle cell diseas e India partners with WHO to mainstream Ayush globally through agreement on traditional medicine interventions For many more health stories, head to our health page and subscribe to the health newsletter here.
