Ramp up genome sequencing, enhance lab surveillance: PM Modi in Covid review meet

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday stressed on enhanced genome sequencing while also emphasising on Covid-appropriate behaviour at a meeting with senior officials to review preparedness of the healthcare system.

The high-level meeting comes in the backdrop of a spike in Influenza cases in the country and rise of Covid-19 cases in the past 2 weeks.

Prime Minister directed officials to enhance Whole Genome Sequencing of Positive Samples with the designated INSACOG Genome Sequencing Laboratories. This will support tracking of newer variants, if any, and timely response.

PM Modi emphasised Covid appropriate behaviour including wearing of masks in hospital premises by both patients, health professionals and health workers. He also stressed that wearing of masks is advisable when senior citizens and those with co-morbidities visit crowded areas.

He directed that effective monitoring of IRI/SARI cases, and testing for Influenza, SARS-CoV-2 and Adenovirus be followed up with States.

Further, Prime Minister stressed the need to ensure availability of required Drugs and Logistics for Influenza and Covid-19 across Health Facilities along with availability of sufficient beds and health human resources.

He highlighted that Covid-19 pandemic is far from over and there is a need to monitor the status across the country on regular basis.

Prime Minister advised to continue focusing on 5-fold strategy of Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and Covid Appropriate Behaviour, enhance Lab Surveillance and testing of all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases. Mock drills should be conducted regularly to ensure that our hospitals are ready for all exigencies.

Prime Minister exhorted community to follow respiratory hygiene and to adhere to Covid appropriate behavior in crowded public places.

In the meeting, the Prime Minister was briefed that India has been witnessing a slight rise in new cases with average daily cases reported as 888 and weekly positivity reported as 0.98% in the week ending 22nd Mar, 2023. However, 1.08 lakh daily average cases have been reported globally during the same week.

The action taken on the directions given by Prime Minister during the last Covid-19 review held on 22nd Dec 2022 were also briefed. He was informed that availability and prices of 20 main Covid Drugs, 12 other drugs, 8 buffer drugs and 1 influenza drug is being monitored. A mock drill was also conducted on 27th December 2022 in 22,000 hospitals, and many remedial measures taken by hospitals thereafter.

The Prime Minister was apprised on the Influenza situation in the country particularly with respect to higher number of cases of H1N1 and H3N2 being noted in last few months.