Indian States on Alert After Rise in Respiratory Diseases in China

New Delhi: Following the sudden rise in respiratory diseases in China especially among children, five states in India, including Rajasthan, Gujarat, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, have put their healthcare infrastructure on alert.

The Centre recently came up with a directive to review preparedness in view of a surge in respiratory illnesses, especially among children, in China.

The authorities in the above five states have asked hospitals and health care staff to ensure preparedness to tackle patients complaining of respiratory issues. Local officials were asked to ensure that all medical equipment including oxygen plants and O2 concentrators were functioning properly.

Days after the Union health ministry urged the states and Union Territories to conduct an immediate assessment of the preparedness of hospitals, the Health Department of various states issued a similar advisory to all civil hospitals, sub-district hospitals, Chief District Health Officers and health officers of municipal corporations.