Union Health Minister J. P. Nadda on Monday said no case of the Ebola virus disease has been reported in India so far, while directing officials to keep all surveillance, screening and testing systems in a constant state of readiness amid rising global concern over the outbreak.
Chairing a high-level review meeting with senior officials of the Union Health Ministry, Nadda assessed the country’s preparedness and instructed authorities to ensure that preventive mechanisms remain fully alert and operational.
“India has not reported any case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease to date,” the minister said, according to an official statement.
The Centre has intensified precautionary measures after the World Health Organization declared the Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has also designated the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
Nadda said enhanced screening and surveillance measures had been initiated at international airports and other points of entry across the country. Advisories and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) on screening, quarantine, clinical management, laboratory testing and infection prevention practices have also been shared with all states and Union Territories.
Also read: Ebola virus: Thermal screening now mandatory at Cochin Airport
The minister directed authorities to maintain strict vigilance at airports, seaports and land border crossings to ensure early detection and prompt response to any suspected case.
Officials said meetings have already been held with states, Union Territories and stakeholders concerned to review preparedness and strengthen coordination mechanisms.
On Nadda’s directions, the Union Health Secretary also chaired a joint review meeting involving officials from multiple ministries and agencies to assess the country’s response framework and preparedness measures.
The minister further instructed the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Control to ensure all tracking, testing and surveillance arrangements remain fully functional and ready for immediate deployment if required.
Meanwhile, aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation has asked airlines to implement additional precautionary measures, including mandatory self-declaration forms for passengers arriving from or transiting through affected countries, along with in-flight announcements regarding health protocols.
Officials said surveillance at all ports of entry and inter-agency coordination are being closely monitored as part of efforts to prevent any possible spread of the disease in India.
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