On the flip side, the National Medical Commission (NMC) remained dogged by controversies surrounding the NEET PG entrance exam, and over MBBS curriculum related guidelines that were issued, withdrawn and revised following backlash from various stakeholders.
Taking cognizance of the TOI report on the deaths, the ministry contacted state authorities to get details on immunisation coverage, active cases of diphtheria, active cases survey and children undergoing treatment for the disease.
The ministry requested that people be informed about the disease’s modes of transmission, the importance of timely reporting, and preventive measures. “As directed by the Union health ministry, we instructed the health centres across the state to comply with the directions and create awareness amongst the public about the disease within their respective jurisdiction,” said state epidemiologist Dr Utkarsh Betodkar.
Highlighting the decision in a post on X, he said, "Union Health Ministry has doubled the monthly nutrition support under Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana from the existing Rs500 to Rs1000 per month for all TB patients, during the period of treatment."
Interacting with reporters in Bilaspur, Nadda said it has been decided that AIIMS Bilaspur would do the hand-holding of four medical colleges in the state located in Mandi, Hamirpur, Nahan and Chamba for strengthening these institutions.
The guidelines laid out four conditions on passive euthanasia for taking a "considered decision in a patient's best interests, to stop or discontinue ongoing life support in a terminally ill disease that is no longer likely to benefit the patient or is likely to harm in terms of causing suffering and loss of dignity."
In a letter to states and Union territories, Union Health Secretary Apurva Chandra said samples from skin lesions of any patient with suspected mpox symptoms should be immediately sent to designated labs. Samples testing positive will be sent to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Virology (ICMR-NIV) for genome sequencing to determine the clade.
The Department of Health and Family Welfare on September 26 in its advisory has directed that all suspected Mpox cases be isolated and strict infection prevention and control measures be put in place. It has provided a list of laboratories operationalized for testing. The advisory includes clinical management protocols, infection prevention and control practices, as well as a risk communication strategy.
Union Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav has urged states to comply with guidelines and efficiently utilize funds provided by the Centre under National Health Mission schemes. In a review meeting, he emphasized collaboration and effective communication among states and the Centre to improve healthcare services across the nation.
"Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri JP Nadda, addressed the 4th year anniversary ceremony of the National Medical Commission, here today. Speaking on the occasion, Shri JP Nadda congratulated NMC on its fourth anniversary and commended it for adding 25,000 UG and PG seats during the last four years," as per a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare press release.
The government has established an effective surveillance mechanism through the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), IHIP network and also through the One Health Mission to immediately respond to any such outbreaks, according to the sources.
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