Door-to-door fever survey launched

In response to the advisory issued by the Union Health Ministry addressing the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and the identification of the JN 1 variant, the Andhra Pradesh government has swiftly implemented preventive measures statewide. As a crucial component of this strategy, the State Health department has launched a comprehensive door-to-door fever survey to identify potential Covid cases in Andhra Pradesh.
MT Krishna Babu, Special Chief Secretary for Health, Medical and Family Welfare, conducted a review meeting on Tuesday with Health department officials.
During the session, he instructed officials to make Rapid Antigen self-test kits and essential medications available at village-level clinics throughout the State. Health officials have reported a lower virulence of the disease, with few hospitalisations recorded.
Krishna Babu directed the Directorate of Medical Education (DME) and Managing Director of Andhra Pradesh Medical Services and Infrastructure Development Corporation (APMSIDC) to ensure the activation of all RTPCR labs in Government General Hospitals (GGHs) and to conduct a minimum of 1000 tests per day. Additionally, he emphasized the mandatory RT-PCR testing for patients with Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI) and Influenza-like illness (ILI). Krishna Babu confirmed the deployment of sufficient Rapid test kits to all Village Health Clinics and positioned essential drugs and personal protective equipment (PPE) in all hospitals. He reassured the public that Oxygen supply plants, including Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO), Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA), Oxygen concentrators, D-type cylinders, and ventilators, will be fully operational.
Krishna Babu advised individuals with mild symptoms of fever, cough, etc., to undergo home isolation and refrain from contact with others until symptoms resolve. He urged caution during upcoming festivals, emphasizing the need for adherence to Covid-appropriate behaviour, particularly in large gatherings. He specifically addressed individuals returning from Sabarimala and other parts of Kerala, urging them to exercise caution and get tested immediately at the nearest Village Health Clinic if experiencing symptoms of SARI/ILI.
Special CS HM&FW Krishna Babu appealed to the public, assuring them that the current situation is not alarming. He emphasized continuous monitoring and affirmed that the state’s health machinery is fully prepared to handle any situation.