Government Addresses Parliament on National Health Measures

Government Addresses Parliament on National Health Measures

In a formal session of the Indian Parliament, the government provided updates on the current situation regarding COVID-19, including the emergence of new strains and the measures being taken to monitor and control the spread. Union Health Minister JP Nadda informed the assembly that two specific strains, KP.1 and KP.2, derived from the JN1 Omicron variant, are responsible for the recent surge in cases. Despite the increase in cases, the minister assured that there has been no significant rise in hospitalizations or severity of the illness.

Key Points:

  • COVID-19 Strains: The government reported that as of August 5, 824 cases of the COVID-19 KP mutant strain were recorded, with Maharashtra having the highest number of cases.
  • Surveillance and Monitoring: The National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) is actively monitoring the situation through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), which operates across all 36 states and Union territories.
  • Health Infrastructure: The government has sanctioned 163 Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratories across India to improve virus detection and research capabilities.
  • Testing and Genome Sequencing: The government has advised states to maintain rigorous testing, including RT-PCR, and to send positive samples for genome sequencing. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequencing (INSACOG) network, led by NCDC, continues to play a vital role in tracking genomic variations of the virus.

The session highlighted the government's commitment to maintaining vigilance and taking proactive measures to manage the pandemic, ensuring the safety and well-being of the population.