Hyderabad: Telangana Health Minister Damodar Raja Narasimha has assured citizens that the current Covid-19 situation does not warrant any alarm, stating that the health department is fully prepared to manage sporadic cases and seasonal illnesses.
The assurance came during a high-level review meeting convened on Saturday to evaluate Covid-19 preparedness and the anticipated rise in monsoon-related diseases. The session was attended by Health Secretary Christina Z. Chongthu, senior officials, and epidemiologists.
Officials reported that while some nations have seen a slight uptick in Covid-19 cases, hospitalisation rates remain low. In India, and specifically in Telangana, the situation remains under control. The few detected cases of the JN.1 variant a strain in circulation since 2023 have not posed significant health risks, officials noted.
“No new advisories have been issued by the Union Health Ministry, reflecting the controlled nature of the scenario,” they stated. Epidemiologists briefed the Minister that Covid-19 transitioned to an endemic phase nearly three years ago, and fluctuations in case numbers are expected.
Raja Narasimha emphasised that current cases are manageable using existing healthcare infrastructure, with no reports necessitating hospitalisation unless co-morbidities are involved. He confirmed the State’s readiness with ample stocks of testing kits, medicines, and medical personnel.
As Telangana enters the monsoon season, the Minister also warned of a possible rise in vector-borne diseases such as dengue, malaria, and chikungunya. He directed the health department to intensify awareness campaigns across urban and rural areas to promote hygiene and environmental cleanliness.
He called for coordination with departments including Panchayat Raj and Municipal Administration to ensure comprehensive strategies for disease prevention, including the elimination of stagnant water sources.
“People should remain calm, follow basic hygiene practices, and stay informed. The situation is under control, and the government is taking all preventive steps,” the Minister stated. (NSS)