Shillong, May 26: The Health and Family Welfare Department of the Government of Meghalaya convened a high-level review meeting with the Medical Expert Committee (MEC) on Monday to assess the state’s preparedness for COVID-19 in light of recent developments across the country.
The meeting, chaired by Shri Sampath Kumar, IAS, Principal Secretary and Development Commissioner, Health and Family Welfare, was held at his office chamber in Shillong. Senior health experts and representatives from key government and private healthcare institutions across the state were in attendance.
A detailed presentation was made by the State Surveillance Officer of the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), outlining the trajectory of COVID-19 in Meghalaya from 2020 to May 2025, the current vaccination coverage, and the existing public health response systems.
Although no confirmed cases have been reported in Meghalaya in 2025 so far, the department emphasised the need for heightened vigilance. All government and private health facilities have been directed to assess and reinforce their COVID-19 response systems, including oxygen availability, critical care infrastructure, and the monitoring and management of Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI), Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI), and fever cases.
The Health Department has instructed all district-level health units to revisit inventories of essential medicines and ensure the continued functionality of COVID-19 testing centres. Shri Kumar urged all institutions to adopt a proactive and preventive strategy, particularly focusing on ILI/SARI/fever surveillance in high-footfall zones such as markets and public institutions.
Health facilities have also been asked to review their internal Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) and incorporate effective protocols used during previous COVID-19 waves. The department reiterated its commitment to maintaining preparedness without inciting public panic and assured that it will continue working closely with medical experts and institutions to safeguard public health.
