Ranchi, December 2: The Jharkhand government has put its hospitals on alert, asking them for surveillance, preventive measures, and testing of respiratory illness cases in the backdrop of a mysterious pneumonia outbreak in China, officials said on Saturday.
In view of the recently reported surge in respiratory illness, especially in children in Northern China, in the recent weeks, this is to bring to your kind notice that there is an urgent need to keep a constant vigil, monitor trends of cases and quickly respond to any emerging public health, Singh said in the letter.
Singh asked officials to strengthen the flu and respiratory clinics in the medical colleges, district hospitals, and health centers. The departments of microbiology at RIMS-Ranchi and Mahatma Gandhi Medical College in Jamshedpur have been made sentinel sites for sending the suspected samples, he said.
The district administrations have also been asked to ensure that the health facilities, including private hospitals, report all suspected cases. Besides, they were also asked to assess the availability of oxygen and the supply chain for refilling along with other necessary equipment. In addition, they were asked to ensure mock drills for emergency circumstances, officials said.
The Jharkhand government’s move comes after a surge in respiratory illness cases, particularly among children, was reported in Northern China. The outbreak has raised concerns about the possible spread of the illness to other regions, including India.
In a letter to the district administrations, Additional Chief Secretary for Health Arun Kumar Singh emphasized the need to remain prepared and vigilant. He highlighted the potential causes of respiratory diseases, including the influenza strain, mycoplasma pneumonia, SARS-CoV-2, and other unknown factors.
To tackle the situation effectively, Singh called for increased surveillance and monitoring of respiratory illnesses. He directed officials to strengthen the flu and respiratory clinics in medical colleges, district hospitals, and health centers. Two specific microbiology departments have been designated as sentinel sites for sending suspected samples.
Moreover, the district administrations have been instructed to ensure that all health facilities, including private hospitals, promptly report any suspected cases. They are also responsible for assessing the availability of oxygen, monitoring the supply chain for refilling, and verifying the adequacy of essential equipment. Additionally, officials are expected to conduct mock drills to prepare for emergency situations.
The Jharkhand government’s proactive measures aim to address the potential risks associated with the pneumonia outbreak in China. By implementing surveillance, preventive measures, and testing protocols, the government aims to effectively respond to emerging public health concerns and minimize the incidence of respiratory diseases in the region.
As the situation continues to evolve, it is crucial for healthcare facilities and officials to remain prepared and vigilant. By closely monitoring the changing nature of the virus and its respiratory pathogens, Jharkhand hopes to effectively mitigate the potential impact of the pneumonia outbreak and protect its population.
The Jharkhand government’s decision to put hospitals on alert demonstrates its commitment to public health and the well-being of its residents. With increased surveillance, strengthened medical facilities, and improved response mechanisms, the state is taking proactive measures to tackle the mysterious pneumonia outbreak and ensure the timely detection and treatment of respiratory illnesses.
