Hyderabad: To prepare for seasonal illnesses during the monsoon, Health Minister C Damodar Rajanarasimha instructed officials to strengthen surveillance systems. These systems will monitor acute respiratory and vector-borne diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and typhoid, in coordination with CCMB, CDFD, NIN-ICMR, AIIMS Bibinagar, and NIMS.
The minister held a key meeting at the Secretariat to review the COVID-19 status and readiness for tackling seasonal diseases. Experts updated him on COVID-19 trends in India and worldwide. They reported that the situation is controlled and not a major public health risk. Some countries have seen minor case spikes, but hospital admissions remain low. People with health conditions or weak immunity should be careful, but there’s no widespread panic needed.
Experts highlighted that India has mostly achieved herd immunity, helping to stabilize the situation. Occasional asymptomatic transmissions occur but have little impact. The minister urged the public to trust expert advice from top medical and research bodies and not to panic.
He called for enhanced readiness for seasonal illnesses, including sanitation, vector control, and district-level coordination for the monsoon.
With more farming activities during the monsoon, there could be an increase in snake and scorpion bites. Healthcare centers, from Primary Health Centers (PHCs) to major hospitals, must have anti-venom and necessary medicines ready.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strong public health measures and told officials to stay alert and diligent. Health Secretary Christina Z Chongthu, CCMB Director Dr Vinay Nandicoori, AIIMS Director Dr Abhishek Aror, and others were present at the meeting.
