Lok Sabha Question No. 2218 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-01
Subject: Cases of Covid-19 in Singapore and Hong Kong
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Thiru Thanga Tamilselvan

## GOVERNMENTOFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENTOFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2218 TO BE ANSWERED ON 01.08.2025

## CASES OF COVID-19 IN SINGAPORE AND HONG KONG

## 2218 THIRU THANGATAMILSELVAN:

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

(a) whether it is true that as per the recent media reports of there is a surge in Covid-19 cases in Singapore and Hong Kong and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether it is also true that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) convened a review meeting recently with experts from National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) division, Disaster Management Cell, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and central government hospitals and if so, the details thereof alongwith the outcome of the above meeting;

(c) the total number of Covid-19 cases that has been reported, registered and being given treatment in various States till date, State/UT-wise; and

(d) the precautionary measures being taken by the Union Government to control and to stop spread across the country?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

(a ) to (c) World Health Organization (WHO) on 28 May 2025, issued a Disease Outbreak News (DON) wherein it highlighted that since mid-February 2025, global SARS-CoV-2 activity increased, particularly from countries in the Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Western Pacific regions, including Hong Kong and Singapore.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare reviewed COVID-19 situation across the country with States/UTs and assessed the public health preparedness for the same. All States/UTs were requested to continue enhanced disease surveillance and preparedness activities, prioritize testing for severe cases, ensure timely reporting of COVID-19 hospitalizations cases, issue advisories to districts as and when required based on trend analysis etc. 'Health' is a State subject. The status

of COVID-19 as reported by the States/UTs can be seen at https://covid19dashboard.mohfw.gov.in/.

(d) This Ministry under its Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) monitors trends of Influenza Like Illness/ Severe Acute Respiratory Illness (ILI/SARI), including cases of COVID-19 in the country. In addition, the network of Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratories (VRDLs) under Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) undertakes a laboratory based surveillance for major respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2.

Joint advisories were issued to all States/UTs to undertake review of hospital preparedness with special focus on the availability of diagnostics, COVID-19 testing, essential drugs, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), isolation beds, medical oxygen, ICU and ventilator supported beds.

The Ministry urged all States/UTs to undertake mock drills to assess preparedness and operational readiness of all health facilities in the country including requisite infrastructure, logistics (including drugs and equipment) as well as healthcare workforce in the country.

With the long-term goal to better prepare our country against public health emergencies, Pradhan Mantri - Ayushman Bharat Health Infrastructure Mission (PM-ABHIM) has been launched with the intent to enhance the capacity of primary, secondary and tertiary health care facilities/systems and institutes for identifying and managing any new and emerging diseases.

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