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Union Health Ministry Issues Zika Virus Advisory Following Cases in Maharashtra

July 3, 2024, 3:09 pm

The Union Health Ministry has issued guidelines to states in response to Zika virus cases reported from Maharashtra. States are advised to maintain continuous vigilance by screening pregnant women for Zika virus infection and monitoring fetal growth in cases where mothers test positive. Health facilities are instructed to appoint nodal officers to ensure premises remain free of Aedes mosquitoes. States are also urged to enhance entomological surveillance and vector control activities in residential areas, workplaces, schools, construction sites, institutions, and health facilities.

Union Health Ministry issues advisory to states in view of Zika virus cases from Maharashtra. States urged to maintain a state of constant vigil through screening of pregnant women for Zika virus infection and monitoring the growth of foetus of expecting mothers who tested… pic.twitter.com/lHFZkDfn5i

— ANI (@ANI) July 3, 2024

Dr. Naveen Kumar, Director of the National Institute of Virology, reassured citizens not to panic about the Zika cases in Pune. He confirmed that out of 106 samples tested nationwide, six were positive for Zika in Pune, with one case each from Ahmednagar and Kolhapur. Dr. Gajanan Sapkal, leading the diagnostic virology group at NIV, emphasized their capability to test viral genomes and Zika virus antibodies, noting that the Zika virus in Pune currently belongs to the Asian lineage.

Zika virus, transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes, typically causes mild symptoms such as fever, rash, and joint pain. Although primarily a mild illness, Zika has garnered global attention due to potential links with microcephaly and neurological complications, as highlighted in a report published in the Journal of Infection by Dr. Sapkal.

A 2022 Indian Council of Medical Research study underscored the spread of Zika across several states, emphasizing the need for enhanced surveillance. Recent research in the Journal of Vector-borne Diseases (January-March 2024) confirmed sporadic Zika cases nationwide, with the Asian lineage prevailing and critical mutations associated with microcephaly absent from the infections.

India Records 110 Heatstroke Deaths So Far, Here’s What Doctors Are Saying

June 20, 2024, 1:33 pm

As an intense heatwave persists, claiming several lives across India, the Union Health Ministry has taken steps to establish special heatwave units in all central government hospitals.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, after reviewing the heatwave situation, directed officials to ensure that hospitals are prepared to provide the best possible healthcare to those affected.

According to government data accessed by News18, 110 people have died from heatstroke in India, with Uttar Pradesh recording the highest number of deaths at 36, followed by Bihar, Rajasthan, and Odisha. However, the actual number of heat-related deaths is likely higher due to under-reporting in rural areas.

Heat-related illnesses become concerning when temperatures exceed 45 degrees Celsius, according to doctors. Dr. Reshu Agarwal from Manipal Hospital in Pune has observed a higher number of cases this year, with patients exhibiting severe symptoms such as high fever and gastrointestinal issues. Dr. Vimal Kumar Nakra from Max Super Speciality Hospital in Patparganj highlighted symptoms of heat-related illnesses, including dehydration, headache, and confusion.

Elderly individuals and those with pre-existing conditions like cancer and heart disease are more vulnerable to heat-strokes. Dr. Gaurav Jain from Dharamshila Narayana Hospital in Delhi noted that patients with pre-existing conditions, such as cancer and kidney problems, have required ICU care due to heat-related complications.

Dr. Arvind Aggarwal from Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute in Delhi stated that their OPD is seeing around 10 patients daily with mild to moderate symptoms of heat-related illnesses. The hospital has managed 70-80 mild to moderate cases in the last 10 days. Amrita Hospital in Faridabad is witnessing approximately 15-20 cases of heat-related illnesses every week, with a rise among vulnerable populations and outdoor workers.

Union Health Ministry And States Strategize For Heatwave Readiness In Delhi

June 6, 2024, 1:51 pm

The Union Health Ministry, led by Directorate General of Health Services Dr. Atul Goel, organized a virtual meeting with States/UTs to evaluate their readiness for heatwave conditions and the fire and electrical safety measures implemented in healthcare facilities nationwide.

Based on the Indian Meteorological Department’s long-range forecast issued on May 27, June 2024 is expected to witness above-normal monthly maximum temperatures in most regions of the country, except for parts of southern peninsular India where normal to below-normal temperatures are anticipated.

During June, elevated heatwave conditions are expected across most areas of Northwest India and adjacent parts of Central India.

State health departments have received directives that include advisories, guidelines for strengthening health system preparedness against Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI), public health advisories with “Do’s and Don’ts,” IEC poster templates, emergency cooling guidelines for severe heat-related illnesses, guidelines on Autopsy Findings in Heat-Related Deaths, and communication from various health authorities regarding health facility fire safety measures and checklists to assess health facility and ambulance preparedness, aimed at preventing and managing the health impacts of heat.

States and UTs were urged through a letter dated March 23, 2024, to proactively implement measures to mitigate the impact of extreme heat and prevent potential disasters.

The letter emphasized that top-level officials in all States/UTs are closely monitoring the situation. For instance, Madhya Pradesh conducted mock-drill exercises on fire-safety incidents across Government and Private Hospitals, with coordination between Urban Administration and Engineering departments. A Code Red Protocol was also established. Heat Wave Control rooms have been set up in Odisha. In Uttar Pradesh, a DASTAK campaign is underway to raise public awareness, and Fire Safety Officers have been appointed in most health facilities. Additionally, Haryana allocated specific funds to ensure the availability of essential drugs and logistics in healthcare facilities.

Ambulances connected to emergency numbers 104 and 108 in Rajasthan are equipped with cooling equipment. In West Bengal, fire departments ensure fire safety certificates and conduct mock drills. In Bihar, coordination with the State Disaster Management Authority aims to prevent fire incidents at healthcare facilities.

Delhi has issued directives and standard operating procedures (SOPs) regarding firefighting systems for both government and private hospitals. Fire evacuation plans and firefighting systems are mandatory in all facilities, including smaller ones without fire NOC from government or private institutions.

PM Narendra Modi’s Photo Removed From Covid Vaccine Certificates, Here’s Why

May 2, 2024, 11:42 am

The Union health ministry has updated the CoWIN certificates for Covid-19 vaccinations, removing the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Previously, these certificates prominently featured Modi’s image along with a quote affirming India’s collective resolve to conquer coronavirus. While the quote – “Together, India will defeat COVID-19” – remains attributed to the prime minister, his name has been omitted from the certificates, The Hindu reported.

Following vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca’s admission in a UK court, discussions on Covishield’s potential association with Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a rare side effect involving blood clotting, have resurfaced. In India, many have examined their vaccination certificates in light of this development.

Some users on the microblogging platform X (formerly Twitter) noticed a significant change: the absence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s photograph on the Covid-19 vaccination certificates issued in India. X user Sandeep Manudhane said, “Modi ji no more visible on COVID Vaccine certificates. Just downloaded to check – yes, his pic is gone.”

Another user, Irfan Ali, who identified himself as a Congress functionary, said, “Yes, I just checked and PM Modi’s photo has disappeared and there is only QR code instead of his photo.”

Hi @BhavikaKapoor5 ,

Yes, I just checked and PM Modi’s photo has disappeared and there is only QR code instead of his photo.

Guys, please check your covid vaccination certificate. #LokSabhaElections2024 #covidshield https://t.co/tyhQ12oIhI

— Irfan Ali (@TweetOfIrfan) May 1, 2024

Reason for Removal

Officials from the ministry of health and family welfare told ThePrint on Tuesday that the image was removed from the vaccine certificate due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) being in place for the ongoing Lok Sabha elections.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time Modi’s photo was removed from Covid vaccination certificates.

In 2022, Modi’s photograph was also removed from vaccination certificates issued in five states: Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Manipur, and Goa. This action was mandated by the Election Commission of India (ECI) in preparation for the assembly elections in those states.

Controversies and Responses

The inclusion of Modi’s picture on vaccination certificates had previously sparked a row in 2021, which escalated to the Kerala high court. Justice PV Kunhikrishnan had remarked in response to the contention that certificates issued in other countries did not carry the photos of elected leaders, “They may not be proud of their PMs, we are proud of our PM.”

Congress’s Demand for Compensation

The opposition Congress has alleged that the BJP government at the Centre did not follow the guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and demanded that the relatives of those who died due to heart attack or similar reasons after taking the Covishield vaccine against coronavirus should be paid compensation. Doctors associated with the Gujarat BJP, however, said a study by an expert panel in the state had established that there was no direct link between Covid-19 vaccines and blood clotting which can lead to heart attacks.

In India, AstraZeneca partnered with the Serum Institute of India (SII) to produce the vaccine. Gujarat Congress president and Rajya Sabha member Shaktisinh Gohil sought to know why data was not collected despite WHO’s advisory.

No Immediate Plans to Mandate RT-PCR Testing for COVID at Airports: Health Ministry

December 21, 2023, 6:02 pm

Amid a rise in COVID-19 infections in India, health officials stated that there are currently no plans to make RT-PCR testing mandatory for travelers at airports in the country. The Health Ministry sources clarified that, at present, there is no intention to impose mandatory RT-PCR testing for COVID-19 at airports.

India had revised guidelines in July, eliminating the requirement for RT-PCR testing for a random 2% of travelers entering the country. Officials emphasized that there is no increase in hospitalization rates related to the recently reported JN.1 sub-variant of COVID-19. Hospitalized cases are primarily attributed to other medical conditions, with COVID-19 being an incidental finding.

In the last two weeks, India has reported a total of 23 deaths, while the number of active COVID-19 cases increased to 2,669. The statement comes as the country navigates through the challenges posed by the evolving situation with the virus.

Time for Caution? Experts Discuss the Need to Mask Up Amidst the Latest Covid Spike

December 21, 2023, 12:28 pm

The ominous resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow over India, with 358 new cases reported in the last 24 hours, out of which 300 emerged in Kerala. This surge has reignited memories of the fearful lockdowns and restrictions that defined the past two years. Amid the escalating situation, six individuals have succumbed to COVID-related complications, underscoring the seriousness of the current outbreak. The Union Health Ministry reports a total of 2,669 active cases across the country.

Yesterday’s spike of 614 cases, the highest since May, has set off alarm bells among health authorities. The driving force behind this surge is identified as the JN.1 variant of the virus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified JN.1 as a ‘variant of interest,’ acknowledging that current evidence suggests it doesn’t pose a major risk. However, concerns are raised about its potential to exacerbate respiratory infections, particularly with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist talked with NDTV, and cautioned against downplaying COVID as a common cold, citing not only the severity of acute cases but also the lingering effects of the disease. The JN.1 variant, a sub-variant of Omicron, is noted for its increased transmissibility and ability to evade existing antibody responses, leading to waves of infections.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, Co-Chairman of the National Indian Medical Association Covid Task Force, expressed concerns about JN.1 being a multi-step ahead variant. He advised caution, particularly in enclosed and crowded spaces, emphasizing the importance of wearing masks. An advisory from the administration of Chandigarh echoes this sentiment, urging people to wear masks in crowded and closed settings while practicing hand hygiene.

The emerging situation prompted a high-level review by the Union Health Ministry, where Health Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya stressed the need to be alert and prepared against new and emerging strains of the virus. He urged all states to enhance surveillance and ensure adequate stocks of medicines, oxygen cylinders, and other essential supplies.

Symptoms of the JN.1 variant include fever, cough, loss of smell, and loss of taste. Dr. Swaminathan recommended heightened vigilance, especially in crowded places, and suggested the use of pulse oximeters for the vulnerable population. Authorities are determined not to underestimate the potential impact of the JN.1 variant, emphasizing the continued importance of public health measures to curb its spread.

As India confronts this new challenge, the nation remains vigilant, recognizing the evolving nature of the virus and the imperative to adapt strategies to safeguard public health. The coming days will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the current outbreak and the effectiveness of measures taken to mitigate its impact.

Public feedback sought on proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill

November 20, 2023, 1:04 pm

The public is being asked to provide feedback on the proposed National Pharmacy Commission Bill 2023 by the Union Health Ministry. On November 14, a draft bill was created and posted to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s news and highlights section of their website. The ministry’s bill would finalize the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2023, which would establish the National Pharmacy Commission and do away with the Pharmacy Act of 1948. The draft bill that has been proposed advocates for a comprehensive strategy to improve the pharmacy education system. The goal of the draft bill is to increase access to reasonably priced, high-quality pharmaceutical education.

The proposed Bill seks to provide for a pharmacy education system that improves access to quality and affordable pharmacy or pharmaceutical education, ensures availability of adequate and high quality pharmacy professionals in all parts of the country; that promotes equitable and universal healthcare and makes services of pharmacy professionals accessible to all the citizens.
The proposed Bill encourages pharmacy professionals to adopt latest pharmacy research in their work and to contribute to research. It has an objective periodic and transparent assessment of pharmacy institutions and facilitates maintenance of a pharmacy register for India
and enforces high ethical standards in all aspects of pharmacy services; that is flexible to adapt to changing needs and has an effective
grievance redressal mechanism.

INSACOG to hold meeting on genome sequencing on Friday

December 30, 2022, 5:07 pm

The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Consortium on Genomics (INSACOG) on Friday will hold a virtual meeting. In the meeting, the main focus will be on the Genome sequencing results of international travelers who tested Covid-19 positive.

Meanwhile, INSACOG will release a bulletin next week on different types of variants present in India.

Earlier in November INSACOG issued a bulletin mentioning that XBB BJ.1/ BM.1.1.1 and said, “XBB, a BJ 1/ BM.1.1.1 recombinant lineage with a breakpoint in the spike protein is presently appearing in multiple countries. This recombinant lineage was first detected in Singapore and US and has also been identified in multiple states in India. A sub-lineage of XBB with an additional mutation is also detected (XBB.1).”

The Union Health Ministry on Thursday said, international passengers who will be coming from China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand have to undergo mandatory RT-PCR tests and from 1 January 2023 they have to update a report on the Air Suvidha portal.

Amid increasing COVID-19 cases this step has been taken by the Union Health Ministry. The Union Health Ministry has warned that India may see a surge in Covid cases in mid-January and the next 40 days will be crucial.

Moreover, at the Chennai airport on Wednesday two passengers tested positive for Covid-19. “Two passengers, who arrived from Dubai, tested positive at the Chennai airport today. Both hail from the Alangudi district of Tamil Nadu’s Pudukkottai. Their test samples have been sent to the State Public Health Laboratory,” the Tamil Nadu Health department stated.

Between 24 December and 26 December, 39 international fliers tested positive for Covid after which random testing of international passengers has been started.

“Passengers of as many as 498 international flights were screened in the last three days — December 24, 25, and 26. A total of 1,780 swab samples were collected for Covid tests. The cumulative number of samples collected (from international fliers), so far, is 3,994. The cumulative number of samples testing positive for Covid is 39 and of samples sent for whole genome sequencing is 39,” a source said.

However, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya personally visited Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital.

“To ensure that there is no Covid surge in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked us to be careful. The government is also making necessary preparations in anticipation of a rise in Covid infections. Today, mock drills are being conducted across Covid hospitals in the country to ensure people receive proper treatment in the event of a rise in cases,” Mandaviya said.

India’s daily covid tally falls below 5k with 4,858 new cases

September 19, 2022, 12:28 pm

India reported 4,858 new Covid-19 cases in the last 24 hours, 806 fewer than yesterday, bringing the total to 4,45,39,046, according to data released by the Union health ministry on Monday. On the other hand, according to the health bulletin, the number of active cases rose to 48,027.

India has 0.11 percent of the infections that are still active, and the Covid recovery rate has risen to 98.71 percent. 2.76 percent was the daily positivity rate, while 1.78 percent was the weekly positivity rate.

Infections with the coronavirus are currently most common in Kerala, followed by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Assam, and West Bengal.

The health ministry stated that as many as 18 fatalities were reported today, taking the death toll to 5,28,355. This included eight deaths reconciled by Kerala.

According to the data available, 2.16 billion doses of vaccines have been administered in the country so far under the nationwide Covid vaccination drive.

On December 19, India’s Covid-19 total had reached one billion. On May 4 and June 23, respectively, last year, it reached the depressing milestones of two and three crore. On January 25 of this year, the number of Covid cases in the nation surpassed four crore.

With 6,395 new COVID-19 infections in the last 24 hours, India’s total tally reaches to 44,478,636

September 8, 2022, 11:23 am

India on Thursday was recorded with 6,395 fresh infections of COVID-19. The cases were slightly higher as compared to the day before, i.e., on Wednesday, the total number of cases that came was 5,379. India’s total tally of people infected with COVID-19 is 44,478,636 now.

As per the data received by the Union Health Ministry, the active caseload in the country is 50,342, accounting for 0.11 percent of the total cases. The weekly positivity rate is 1.88 percent, while the daily positivity rate is 1.96 percent.

According to the data, the country’s recovery rate stands at 98.7 percent. A total of 4,39,00,204 people have been recovered so far, out of which 6,614 have been recovered in the last 24 hours.

According to the official data, 88.83 crore samples have been tested since the beginning of the pandemic and 3,25,602 tests have been conducted in the last 24 hours.

Also, India’s vaccination coverage has reached the 214.27 crore-mark, out of which 17.49 crore are precaution (booster) doses. In the last 24 hours, 36,31,977 people have been administered the vaccine doses.