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Amid rising global concerns about Ebola, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on May 25 that no case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease has been reported in the nation so far. Even then, the government is taking no chances. Following a high-level review meeting with senior officials from the Union Health Ministry, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Nadda directed all preventive and surveillance mechanisms to remain on high alert.

Precautionary Steps

The Indian government has intensified its precautionary protocols following declarations from international health bodies. The World Health Organization (WHO) recently designated the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), while the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention categorized it as a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).

In response, India is deploying a multi-layered defence strategy:

• Airport & Border Screening: Enhanced screening and surveillance measures are now live across international airports, seaports, and land border crossings to catch any potential entry immediately.

• Mandatory In-Flight Protocols: The aviation watchdog, DGCA, has instructed airlines to issue in-flight announcements and mandate self-declaration forms for passengers coming from or transiting through affected countries.

• State-Level Readiness: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) regarding strict screening, quarantine protocols, clinical management, and specialised laboratory testing have been actively distributed to all States and Union Territories.

• Amid rising global concerns about Ebola, Union Health Minister JP Nadda said on May 25 that no case of Bundibugyo Ebola disease has been reported in the nation so far. Even then, the government is taking no chances. Following a high-level review meeting with senior officials from the Union Health Ministry, the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Nadda directed all preventive and surveillance mechanisms to remain on high alert. The Union Health Secretary chaired a joint review meeting across multiple ministries to ensure a seamless, rapid response in the event of a suspected case.

While there is absolutely no reason for panic within the country, health authorities are maintaining a strict "constant state of readiness" to ensure early detection and swift containment.

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