Centre Urges States to Enhance Mpox Surveillance and Isolation Facilities

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 9th Sept. The Union Health Ministry on Monday directed states and union territories to intensify screening and testing for suspected mpox cases and establish dedicated isolation facilities in hospitals for both suspected and confirmed patients.

In a letter to state and union territory officials, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra emphasized the importance of preventing public panic, noting that no new mpox cases have been reported in India during the current outbreak and all samples from suspected cases have tested negative.

Chandra stressed the need for heightened vigilance, urging states and UTs to review their public health preparedness, particularly at health facilities. He called for the identification of isolation facilities, ensuring they are equipped with necessary logistics and trained staff.

Additionally, Chandra advised re-orienting key stakeholders and surveillance units under the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) to update their protocols for suspect, probable, and confirmed cases, as well as contact tracing and other surveillance activities.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare remains committed to closely monitoring the situation and ensuring a coordinated response.