Lok Sabha Question No. 1638 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2022-02-11
Subject: Strategy for Minimal Hospitalisation during Omicron Wave
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Sanjay Bhatia

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 1638 TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2022

## STRATEGY FOR MINIMAL HOSPITALISATION DURING OMICRON WAVE

## 1638.   SHRI SANJAY BHATIA:

Will the Minister of HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government proposes to take adequate measures to minimize  hospitalization and  check  the  proliferation  of  Omicron  variant  without  disrupting  the  economic  activity  and livelihood of the people; and
- (b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE ( DR BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (b): With the reporting of Omicron Variant, a highly mutated variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus and its classification as a Variant of Concern (VoC) by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Union Ministry of Health & FW revised its 'Guidelines for international arrivals'. As per the case  trajectory  globally  and  in  India,  duly  following  risk  based  approach,  the  guidelines  have been revised also.

Ministry of Health & Family Welfare provides technical guidance for managing various aspects of  COVID-19 including containment and surveillance, testing,  clinical  management  protocols, post-COVID  sequale,  etc.  Ministry  of  Health  &  Family  Welfare  has  reviewed,  updated  and issued 'guidelines for home isolation' applicable to COVID-19 patients who have been clinically assessed and assigned as mild /asymptomatic cases of COVID-19.

Besides  regular  review  meetings  at  the  level  of  Union  Health  Minister  with  all  relevant stakeholders including subject experts, review meetings with States/UTs through video conferencing have been conducted regularly to review preparedness and response measures to address COVID-19 pandemic. States/UTs have been advised to carry out the following activities:

-  Strict monitoring of International travellers in the community.
-  Contact tracing of positive individuals & follow up for 14 days.
-  Genome sequencing of positive samples through INSACOG Labs in a prompt manner.

-  Monitoring of areas where cluster of positive cases emerge.
-  Strengthening of COVID-19 testing infrastructure and ensuring early identification of cases through adequate testing across the States.
-  Ensuring preparedness of health infrastructure (availability of ICU, oxygen supported beds, ventilators, etc.) and upgrading health infrastructure under ECRP-II including in rural areas and for paediatric cases.
-  Commissioning all PSA plants, ensuring sufficient logistics, drugs etc.
-  Ensuring COVID-19 vaccination for the eligible population including coverage among young adolescents (15-18 years) and precaution dose for health care workers, frontline workers and elderly with co-morbidities.
-  Ensuring adherence to COVID Appropriate Behaviour.

Union Ministry of Health & FW provides support to States/UTs to enhance preparedness and response capacities against COVID-19 and other public health emergencies. Funding support is also  provided  to  States/UTs  through  National  Health  Mission,  State  Disaster  Response  Funds (SDRF) and Emergency COVID-19 Response and Preparedness packages. Under ECRP Phase II, a package of Rs. 23,123 crore (with Rs. 15,000 Cr as Central Component) has been approved.

Omicron variant is the dominant variant in the country presently. The current surge of COVID19 cases in the country is showing a sustained declining trend since 21 st January 2022.