Source Newsonair
New Delhi: Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare JP Nadda on Monday underscored the importance of close coordination between the Centre and state governments to strengthen India’s preparedness against influenza and other respiratory illnesses.
Speaking at a review meeting on seasonal influenza preparedness, Nadda said that an integrated and collaborative approach was essential to ensure early detection, effective surveillance, and timely response to outbreaks. He stressed that public health challenges such as influenza cannot be tackled in isolation and require sustained cooperation across all levels of government.
“The Centre and states must work in close coordination to enhance surveillance, strengthen laboratory networks, and ensure prompt reporting of cases,” Nadda said, adding that preparedness plans should focus on prevention, early diagnosis, and efficient clinical management.
The minister highlighted the role of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) in monitoring influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) cases across the country. He also emphasized the need to scale up testing capacity, ensure adequate availability of antiviral drugs, and maintain readiness of healthcare facilities, especially during peak seasonal periods.
Nadda called upon states to intensify public awareness campaigns on preventive measures such as respiratory hygiene, vaccination for high-risk groups, and timely medical consultation in case of symptoms. He also stressed the importance of protecting healthcare workers through training and access to necessary protective equipment.
Reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to supporting states, the minister said the Union government would continue to provide technical guidance, resources, and policy support to strengthen the country’s overall influenza preparedness and response mechanisms.
Health officials from the Centre and states participated in the meeting and shared updates on surveillance data, hospital preparedness, and ongoing preventive measures.
