In view of the surge in the cases of respiratory illness in China, including pneumonia in children, during November 2023, a meeting was convened by Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Minister (Health), GNCTD with the experts in respiratory medicine on 30.11.2023.
After detailed discussions, it was decided that the experts would develop an SOP regarding the number and types of samples to be tested by Multiplex PCR in culture-negative severe pneumonia cases and to maintain adequate stock of antiviral drugs. Further, it was also decided to implement the operational guidelines for a revised surveillance strategy in the context of COVID-19.
Mock drills were conducted in all the Delhi Government hospitals between 13.12.2023 to 17.12.2023 to assess the preparedness on various parameters such as (i) bed capacity, (ii)available human resources, (iii)human resource capacity, (iv) referral services, (v) testing capacities,(vi) logistics, (vii)availability of medical oxygen etc.
A meeting convened by the Minister of Health, Govt of India to review the preparedness of health facilities to tackle ILI/SARI on 20.12.2023. Delhi Health Minister Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj and other officers participated in that meeting.
The data of COVID testing is presently being maintained by ICMR. The Delhi Government has requested ICMR to share the COVID-related lab testing data.
On 19.12.2023, the number of RT-PCR tests done and the positivity rate in Kerala & Karnataka were 537 & 487 and 20.75% & 2.41%, respectively.
In Delhi, the number of RT-PCR & positivity on the same day was 208 & 0.48%, respectively.
Necessary orders have been issued to put in place the following arrangements:
1)Covid samples to be collected from ILI/SARI patients attending all Delhi government hospitals
2) Adequate number of Covid samples to be sent for RT-PCR testing, as per guidelines
3)Genome sequencing of positive RT PCR samples to be performed, as per guidelines
4) Measures to be taken to raise community awareness for avoiding overcrowded & poorly ventilated settings and wearing masks in crowded & close settings and hospital premises.
