Centre reviews situation, public health preparedness as Covid-19 cases rise

In view of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases in India, the Union Health Ministry held meetings on June 2 and 3 to review the current situation and public health preparedness of states and union territories.

According to government sources, a series of technical review meetings were held under chairpersonship of Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS) with representatives of Disaster Management Cell, Emergency Management Response (EMR) Cell, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) and Central Government Hospitals in Delhi and with representatives from all States and UTs to evaluate the current Covid-19 situation.

As per the June 4 data, India reported 4,302 active cases with an increase of 864 cases in the past 24 hours.

In the review meeting, the states were instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines. Testing was also recommended for all admitted SARI cases and 5 percent of ILI cases as per guidelines, according to government sources.