As daily COVID-19 cases crossed the 5,000 mark, the Union Health Ministry has instructed all states to ensure adequate availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines, official sources said, news agency PTI reported.
With over 500 new cases and 4 deaths in the last 24 hours, the active COVID-19 caseload in India now stands at 5,364. Kerala remains the worst-hit state, reporting 1,679 active cases. Other states with significant case numbers include Maharashtra (548), Delhi (592), Karnataka (451), Tamil Nadu (221), West Bengal (596), Gujarat (605), and Uttar Pradesh (198).
Earlier this week, Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services (DGHS), chaired a series of high-level technical review meetings to assess the state’s preparedness measures against the coronavirus.
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“States have been instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines,” the source said.
The meetings included representatives from the 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, along with officials from all states and Union Territories.
Sources said that state and district surveillance units under IDSP are closely monitoring cases of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI).
“Testing is recommended for all admitted SARI cases and for 5% of ILI cases as per guidelines,” an official source said, adding that positive SARI samples are being sent for whole genome sequencing through the ICMR VRDL network.
Officials urged people to practice hand hygiene, follow cough etiquette, and avoid crowded places when they are unwell. Those with acute respiratory illness should self-monitor and seek medical care if symptoms worsen.
“The Union Health Ministry continues to monitor the situation closely and remains committed to ensuring public health safety through timely interventions and effective communication,” the official added.
