Over 500 samples collected in Dec sent to INSACOG for genome sequencing to detect new Covid strains

Around 500 samples received during December 2022 are currently being genome sequenced by INSACOG Labs across the country.

New Delhi, Dec 31: Over 500 samples have been sent to INSACOG for genome sequencing in the last 30 days, in a bid detect every possible strain of Covid-19 in India, experts informed the principal secretary to the prime minister.

Principal Secretary to the prime minister P K Mishra chaired the meeting with senior officials and experts to review the status of COVID-19 in the country and compliance of directions issued by the PM during the review meeting on December 22.

During the meeting, Union Health ministry officials informed that the Ministry of Commerce has been asked to monitor exports of medicinal products and equipment to China, they said.

Mishra was apprised of the evolving global scenario of the pandemic with surge in Covid observed in some countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brazil etc.

It was informed that Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya chaired a virtual review meeting with health ministers of states on COVID-19 on December 23.

The focus was on enhancing awareness about Covid-appropriate behaviour, strengthening of surveillance, including ramping up of testing across the country, and uptake of coronavirus precautionary doses, they stated.

It was informed that according to the directions of the prime minister, mock drills across all health facilities were conducted on Dec 27.

All states and Union Territories participated in the drills to ensure operational reediness of Covid-dedicated facilities with specific focus on oxygen plants, ventilators, logistics and human resources. Official sources said 21,097 facilities conducted the mock drill, of which 16,108 were government facilities. The Union Health minister personally reviewed the preparedness at Safdurjung Hospital in New Delhi, they said.

As directed by the PM, detailed guidelines for two per cent random screening of international passengers on arrival were issued and random sampling was initiated from December 24, official sources said.

As many as 1,716 international flights have been screened and 5,666 samples collected for COVID-19 testing. Guidelines for international arrivals has been revised on December 29, and from January 1, 2023, all international arrivals from China, Singapore, Hongkong, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Japan will undergo mandatory pre-departure RT-PCR testing (to be conducted in 72 hours prior to undertaking the journey).

Air Suvidha portal has been made operational with a provision to allow passengers to submit/upload negative RT-PCR test reports as well as to submit self-declaration form.

It was apprised that a detailed advisory on COVID-19 for states was issued on December 24. An advertisement was issued in national and regional papers for awareness regarding steps being taken for Covid management in states, they said.

Monitoring of cases of SARI, ILI and similar diseases to identify early warning signals has started in states, and a weekly report for the same is being sent by states to Union Health Ministry, it was informed during the meeting. It was also informed that strengthening of whole genome sequencing (WGS) and ensuring that larger number of samples are sent from across the country to INSACOG Network is being done, according to the directions of the PM.

Around 500 samples received during December 2022 are currently being genome sequenced by INSACOG Labs across the country.

Officials also informed that the Union Health minister held a meeting on December 29 with representatives of pharma companies and senior officials to review the availability of medicines, and monitor their stocks and prices.

Pharma companies were asked to keep a close watch on the global supply chain scenario, and to ensure adequate stocks and availability of all drugs, including Covid drugs.