Hyderabad, May 24 (UNI) Telangana Health Minister Damodar Rajanarsimha on Saturday reviewed the current status of COVID-19 and measures for the prevention and control of seasonal diseases in the state.
The review meeting was held at the Arogyasri Trust office and attended by Health Secretary Christina Z Chongtu, TGMSIDC Managing Director Phanindra Reddy, Director of Medical Education (DME) Dr. Narendra Kumar, Director of Health Dr Ravinder Nayak, Vaidya Vidhan Parishad Commissioner Ajay Kumar, senior officials, and epidemiologists.
Officials briefed the Minister on the COVID-19 situation in India and other countries. They noted that while there has been a slight increase in cases globally, hospitalisation rates remain low.
In India, the situation is stable with a few cases of the JN.1 variant being reported. This variant, present in the country since 2023, has not posed any major public health concern so far. Except for individuals with existing comorbidities, no hospitalisations have been required, officials added.
The Health Minister was informed that no fresh advisories or guidelines have been issued by the Union Health Ministry, indicating that the situation remains under control and does not currently warrant special measures.
Epidemiologists explained that COVID-19 entered its endemic phase nearly three years ago, and fluctuations in case numbers are now considered a normal pattern. Given the prevailing weather conditions, they also cautioned about a rise in respiratory infections such as coughs, colds, fevers, and other seasonal ailments.
Officials assured the Minister that the state is fully prepared to handle sporadic COVID-19 cases. Adequate supplies of testing kits, medicines, and other essential resources are available across healthcare facilities.
Speaking at the meeting, Minister Rajanarsimha emphasised the importance of monitoring developments in other states and countries. He stressed the need to educate the public about COVID-19 and seasonal diseases, particularly during the monsoon season.
He reassured the public that there is no cause for concern regarding COVID-19 but urged everyone to take preventive measures. "COVID-19, like other respiratory infections, spreads from person to person. Simple precautions such as maintaining hand hygiene and wearing masks when experiencing symptoms like cough or cold can prevent transmission," he said.
The Minister also highlighted the importance of maintaining clean surroundings and preventing water stagnation, which can lead to mosquito breeding and the spread of vector-borne diseases. He instructed officials to launch awareness campaigns in villages and towns to promote public hygiene and disease prevention.
He further called for interdepartmental coordination involving Panchayat Raj, Municipal Administration, and other departments to effectively tackle seasonal diseases. He directed officials to ensure adequate stocks of medicines and diagnostic reagents at all government hospitals.
The Minister warned against any attempts to exploit public fear in the name of COVID-19 or dengue, stating that strict action would be taken against such malpractices, an official statement said.
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