Following an increase in COVID-19 cases nationwide, Dr. PK Mishra convened a high-level meeting to review COVID-19 cases, stressing the 5-step strategy of Test Track-Treat-Vaccination and Adherence, as well as raising community awareness and warning citizens against complacency.

The Secretary of Health and Family Welfare, Rajesh Bhushan, delivered a thorough presentation on the worldwide COVID-19 situation. He emphasized Indias quick rise of COVID-19 cases, with the vast majority recorded in only eight states, including Delhi, Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra,  Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala.

The presentation also included a summary of the genome sequencing of unique variants since January 2023, as well as the proportion of circulating variants in India. The immunization status, pharmaceutical availability, and infrastructure readiness were all taken into account.

There was a detailed evaluation of active cases within these eight states. It has been reported that around 92% of patients are being treated at home.. Furthermore, the unexpected spike in positives was noted, as was the status of tests being undertaken nationwide.

The Prime Minister undertook a statewide simulated exercise to examine functional infrastructure and assessed the COVID-19 immunization programs cost and budget provisions for pharmaceuticals and vaccine raw materials.

The Health Secretary advised states that they may try to get the necessary COVID vaccination doses directly from manufacturers without seeking prior authorization from the Union Ministry of Health.

Dr. PK Mishra emphasized that adequate health infrastructure at the sub-district level is critical for controlling localized surges and that guidelines for guiding States should be examined based on developing conditions and updated accordingly. 

Several well-known delegates attended the gathering.

(Source:  https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/policy/principal-secretary-to-pm-chairs-high-level-meeting-amid-covid-19-rise-stresses-on-5-fold-strategy/99630414)