A High-Level Steering Committee meeting chaired by Puducherry Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan evaluated the preparedness of the Union Territory Health Department in response to recent reports about the spread of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China and some reported cases in India. During the meeting, Lt Governor emphasized that the public should not panic, as HMPV has been prevalent in the community for over three decades and there is no immediate cause for concern. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, along with the Health Department of Puducherry, are closely monitoring the situation and are fully prepared to respond to any emerging health challenges.
A release issued by Puducherry Health Department informed that any suspected case of Serious Acute Respiratory Illness (SARI), especially among vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly in Puducherry will be tested and swabs will be sent to JIPMER.
Arrangements are also being made to conduct testing at Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute(IGMCRI). The meeting was attended by key officials, including Puducherry Chief Secretary,
Commissioner-cum- Health Secretary, the Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor, the Director of the Department of Health and Family Welfare Service, the National Health Mission Director, IGMCRI Director, Microbiology Professor, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme State Surveillance Officer and Under Secretaries from Health Departments.