Six states—Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—are currently contributing to over 90 percent of the country’s active Covid-19 cases.
Published Jun 03, 2025 | 8:02 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 03, 2025 | 8:03 PM
States and UTs have been asked to focus on the availability of diagnostic facilities, essential medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation beds, medical oxygen, intensive care units, and ventilator-supported beds. (Representational pic/iStock)
Synopsis: States and UTs have been asked to undertake a comprehensive review of hospital preparedness at all levels, including district and sub-district hospitals, medical colleges, tertiary care centers, and municipal facilities.
In response to a gradual rise in Covid-19 cases in certain parts of the country, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged all states and Union Territories to assess hospital readiness and conduct mock drills to ensure that the oxygen infrastructure remains fully functional.
In a letter addressed to the states, Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava called for immediate attention to the operational status of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants, along with a broader review of medical preparedness across healthcare institutions.
The advisory comes amid an increase in acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs) linked to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, along with other respiratory pathogens such as Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), which typically show seasonal spikes in the community.
Srivastava noted that while the current surge is modest and most reported cases remain mild, the health system should remain alert.
“It is worth noting that most cases have been mild. The currently circulating lineages of the Omicron variants—JN.1, XFG, and LF.7.9—tend to cause a mild illness characterized by fever, cough, and sore throat, which usually subsides on its own,” she said in the letter.
The health secretary highlighted that six states—Kerala, Maharashtra, Delhi, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka—are currently contributing to over 90 percent of the country’s active Covid-19 cases. Despite the mild nature of the majority of infections, she emphasized the need for precautionary action to ensure that the healthcare infrastructure is not caught unprepared.
States and UTs have been asked to undertake a comprehensive review of hospital preparedness at all levels, including district and sub-district hospitals, medical colleges, tertiary care centers, and municipal facilities. This review should focus on the availability of diagnostic facilities, essential medicines, personal protective equipment (PPE), isolation beds, medical oxygen, intensive care units (ICUs), and ventilator-supported beds.
In addition to the physical preparedness of hospitals, the ministry has stressed the importance of functional PSA plants and adequate oxygen reserves. “Mock drills may be undertaken to ensure functionality of PSA plants and overall oxygen preparedness,” Srivastava stated.
The letter also reiterated the need for robust testing and surveillance protocols. States have been directed to send samples for testing by the Ministry’s Operational Guidelines for Revised Surveillance Strategy in the Context of Covid-19.
Specifically, all Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) cases and five percent of Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) cases should be tested. Samples from SARI cases that test positive for SARS-CoV-2 are to be sent to Regional Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) for whole genome sequencing.
The District Surveillance Units under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) have been asked to closely monitor trends in ILI and SARI cases and track the proportion of SARI cases among them. Additionally, states must ensure that all data related to Covid-19, including the presence of specific co-morbidities, is entered regularly on the IDSP-IHIP portal.
Public health awareness also remains a cornerstone of the Ministry’s strategy. The health secretary has called for intensified Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaigns to reinforce messages on hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and avoidance of public spitting. Vulnerable populations such as the elderly, people with chronic illnesses, and immunocompromised individuals have been advised to avoid poorly ventilated or crowded areas and to use face masks when in such settings.
“People experiencing symptoms of acute respiratory illness should continue to monitor their health and seek timely medical attention if they notice worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain,” Srivastava concluded.
(Edited by Majnu Babu).
