Centre Holds High-Level Meeting To Assess Ebola Readiness, Confirms No Cases In India

1 hour ago 4
ARTICLE AD BOX

Last Updated:May 20, 2026, 23:03 IST

The review meeting, chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, was attended by health secretaries from all states and Union territories.

A poster displaying Ebola emergency contact numbers is pinned to a tent at the Busunga border crossing between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. (AFP photo)

A poster displaying Ebola emergency contact numbers is pinned to a tent at the Busunga border crossing between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo. (AFP photo)

The Centre on Wednesday held a high-level meeting to assess India’s preparedness against Ebola virus disease, while confirming that no case has been detected in the country so far.

The review meeting, chaired by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava, was attended by health secretaries from all states and Union territories to evaluate surveillance systems and emergency response measures.

Officials said the government has strengthened monitoring and preparedness protocols following the World Health Organization’s declaration of Ebola as a public health emergency of international concern.

Detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) covering pre-arrival and post-arrival screening, quarantine protocols, case management, referral mechanisms, and laboratory testing have already been shared with all states and Union territories.

Srivastava emphasized the importance of coordinated surveillance, timely reporting, and preparedness of designated health facilities, the sources said.

All ministries and departments concerned have also been sensitised and are undertaking appropriate preventive and surveillance measures in coordination with the health ministry, they stated.

India has prior experience in handling such situations effectively, including during the 2014 Ebola outbreak in Africa, when similar precautionary measures were implemented successfully, they said.

The government of India remains fully vigilant and IS prepared to respond swiftly to any emerging situation, the sources said.

Citizens are advised that there is no cause for panic, while continuing to follow official advisories and updates issued by health authorities, the sources underlined.

(With inputs from PTI)

Handpicked stories, in your inbox

A newsletter with the best of our journalism

News india Centre Holds High-Level Meeting To Assess Ebola Readiness, Confirms No Cases In India

Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

Read More

Read Entire Article