PAV Urges Proactive Preparedness Against Hantavirus Risks
Strengthening airport and international traveller health surveillance was identified as another critical precautionary measure: Reports
VISAKHAPATNAM: Praja Arogya Vedika (PAV), affiliated with Jan Swasthya Abhiyan, has urged the Union government to take proactive measures against potential public health risks posed by hantavirus infections and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS). In a detailed representation submitted to Union health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda, the organisation highlighted international alerts from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other agencies, noting that HPS has been associated with mortality rates of 30 to 40 per cent in severe cases.
While stressing that the current situation does not warrant panic, PAV cautioned that India must not repeat the mistakes of the Covid-19 pandemic, particularly the Delta wave, when shortages of hospital beds, oxygen, ventilators, medicines, and healthcare personnel led to widespread suffering and loss of lives.
The organisation called for the immediate strengthening of healthcare infrastructure in government hospitals, the enhancement of the public health budget, the recruitment of medical and paramedical staff, continuous training programmes, and the uninterrupted availability of essential medicines.
PAV also highlighted the importance of robust disease surveillance systems, timely scientific advisories and treatment guidelines from the Indian Council of Medical Research, and public awareness campaigns involving civil society organisations.
Strengthening airport and international traveller health surveillance was identified as another critical precautionary measure. The organisation underscored that preparedness is always more effective and humane than crisis management after large-scale spread, urging the government to act proactively in the interest of public health and national well-being.
