PM Modi for extensive sequencing to trace Covid mutants

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, September 10

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday called for constant genome sequencing to track down any potential mutations of the Covid-19 virus, as he chaired a high-level meeting to review the pandemic situation. 

The topics covered included a review of the prevailing Covid-19 scenario, preparedness of the health systems to respond, availability of medical oxygen and matters relating to production, supply and distribution of Covid-19 vaccine.

“The PM spoke about the need for constant genome sequencing to monitor emergence of mutants. He was informed of the national sequencing network, the INSACOG with 28 labs and was told that sewage sampling was also being done for genomic surveillance. The PM was apprised that states have been requested to share SARS COV2 positive samples with INSACOG regularly,” a PMO statement said after an elaborate review today.

The meeting discussed that across the world, there are countries where the number of active Covid cases continue to remain high and likewise in India, the figures from Maharashtra and Kerala, indicated that there can be no room for complacency.

Kerala has 2,40,037 active cases, which is 60.98 per cent of India’s total active load. Maharashtra with 51,419 active cases has 13.06 per cent of the share in India’s active load, with the rest of the active cases in Karnataka (4.34 pc), Tamil Nadu (4.11 pc), Andhra Pradesh (3.69 pc).

The PM took note of weekly positivity being less than 3 per cent for the 10th week and reviewed the status of bed capacity for paediatric care and augmentation of facilities supported under ‘Covid Emergency Response Package II’. 

The PM was also briefed about the increase in isolation beds, oxygen beds, ICU beds and paediatric ICUs and paediatric ventilators. 

“A significant number of ICU beds and oxygen beds will be further added in the coming months,” said the government.

The PM spoke about the need to ensure adequate testing. The Health Ministry said support was being given to 433 districts to establish RT-PCR lab facilities in public health spaces.

A government note said efforts were on to install 961 Liquid Medical Oxygen Storage Tanks and 1,450 Medical Gas Pipeline Systems with an aim to support at least one such unit per district and the ambulance network was also being augmented.

The PM reviewed the status of PSA oxygen plants across the country and was told that around 1 lakh oxygen concentrators and 3 lakh oxygen cylinders have been distributed to states.

On vaccines, the PM noted that 58 per cent of adults had received the first dose and 18 per cent had received both doses. 

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