Increase surveillance to detect Mpox cases: Government

New Delhi, August 18

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PK Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, on Sunday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness for monkeypox (Mpox) and related public health measures in the country. The meeting was attended by secretaries and senior officials from various departments.

Mishra said surveillance should be enhanced and effective measures be taken for prompt detection of cases. He directed the officials that the network of testing laboratories should be enhanced for early diagnosis. At present, 32 labs are equipped for testing.

He laid stress on the importance of an awareness campaign among healthcare providers to identify the symptoms of the disease and the need for timely notification to the surveillance system.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been continuously monitoring the MPox situation. On Saturday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda held a review meeting with senior health officials to evaluate the country’s preparedness for Mpox. — TNS