The Meghalaya Health & Family Welfare Department held a review meeting with the Medical Expert Committee (MEC) on Monday, to assess the state’s preparedness for COVID-19 in view of emerging national trends.
The meeting was chaired by Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Health & Family Welfare Sampath Kumar and attended by senior health experts and representatives from key government and private institutions across the State.
A presentation was made by the State surveillance officer, Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) highlighting the COVID-19 trends in Meghalaya from 2020 to May 2025, current vaccination status, and public health response systems in place.
“No confirmed COVID-19 cases have been reported in the state this year so far, but the need for heightened surveillance through increased testing and preparedness was accorded,” the health department said.
All government and private health facilities have been directed to assess and strengthen their COVID-19 response readiness, including oxygen availability, critical care infrastructure, and protocols for monitoring and managing Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), Influenza-like-Illness (ILI) and fever cases.
Instructions have also been issued to revisit inventories of essential drugs and ensure functionality of testing centres across districts.
The Principal Secretary urged for a proactive and preventive approach, emphasising the importance of monitoring ILI/SARI/fever trends, especially in high-footfall areas like markets and public institutions.
Health institutions have also been asked to review and update their internal SoPs and revisit effective protocols from past COVID-19 waves.
“The department reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining vigilance, avoiding public panic, and working closely with medical experts and institutions to ensure community safety,” it said.
