Telangana to begin sending COVID-19 samples for genome sequencing
The Telangana government will be ensuring genome sequencing of viral samples to track potential mutations of COVID-19, announced Health Minister C. Damodar Raja Narasimha during a high-level review meeting held on Monday, to assess the current pandemic situation and prepare for the upcoming seasonal disease surge.
The meeting, attended by senior scientists and officials from institutes such as the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD), Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), and AIIMS Bibinagar, was convened to streamline inter-institutional coordination for public health.
'While there is no significant threat from COVID-19 at present, it is essential to maintain vigilance through continued surveillance,' the Minister said. He instructed the Director of Public Health and Family Welfare, Dr. Ravinder B. Nayak, to begin sending samples for genome sequencing to monitor any emerging variants.
CCMB Director Dr. Vinay Kumar Nandicoori assured that despite fluctuating global case numbers and a rise in hospitalisations in some countries, the situation in Telangana remains under control. 'Thanks to herd immunity, most people in the state and across India are not experiencing severe symptoms,' he said. Dr. Abhishek Jagdishchander Arora, Head of Radiodiagnosis at AIIMS Bibinagar, added that no fresh advisory has been issued by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
As the state braces for the monsoon season, which typically sees a spike in vector-borne and respiratory illnesses, the Health Minister directed officials to strengthen early prevention mechanisms. He urged routine surveillance of Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI) and Influenza-Like Illness (ILI), and directed coordination with institutions like CCMB, CDFD, NIMS, and AIIMS Bibinagar.
Rapid response teams will be established in all districts, alongside grassroots-level awareness campaigns in collaboration with the Panchayati Raj and Municipal Departments. The Minister stressed leveraging social media to disseminate accurate health information quickly and widely.
Officials have also been asked to identify dengue and malaria hotspots and deploy special teams for public awareness and sanitation drives. With outpatient and inpatient numbers expected to rise during the rainy season, hospitals have been directed to maintain an adequate stock of medicines, diagnostic kits, and medical supplies and ensure patient nutrition and hygiene.
Issuing a warning to private hospitals, the Minister said that any attempt to overcharge patients for dengue treatment would invite strict action.
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