Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 9: Amid concerns over the detection of Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, the Health and Medical Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir today conducted a comprehensive mock drill exercise across hospitals in the Union Territory to evaluate their preparedness for handling any potential outbreak.
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Director of Health Services Jammu, Dr Rakesh Magotra, stated that the Department has been actively reviewing the situation through a series of high-level meetings held over the past few days. “As a precautionary measure, we conducted a UT-wide mock drill today to assess the readiness of our healthcare infrastructure to tackle HMPV cases,” he said.
During the exercise, health professionals, district administration officials, and emergency response teams participated in an evaluation of the available healthcare facilities and their efficiency. Key focus areas included the functionality of oxygen generation plants, availability of ventilators, isolation beds, and other critical logistics and support systems.
Dr Magotra further informed that the mock drill also inspected the readiness of diagnostic tools and medical supplies to ensure swift responses in the event of an outbreak. “Our primary focus was on verifying the availability of oxygen, preparedness of medical facilities, and operational status of healthcare infrastructure,” he said.
As part of the preparations, a high-level meeting was convened earlier, during which the Directors of Health Services for Kashmir and Jammu, along with Chief Medical Officers and Medical Superintendents of various hospitals, were directed to ensure that oxygen generation plants are fully functional.
Dr Magotra reassured the public, stating, “There is no need to panic. HMPV is an old virus with a low transmission and infectivity rate. Its morbidity and mortality rates are minimal. Similar to other respiratory viruses, it typically causes mild cold-like symptoms, though flu-like symptoms may occur in very young children or elderly individuals.”
Nonetheless, as a precautionary step, the public is advised to adhere to standard respiratory infection protocols, including avoiding contact with others while experiencing symptoms such as cough or cold.
Principal of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu, Dr Ashutosh Gupta, also highlighted the preparedness measures undertaken by his institution. “We are fully equipped to handle any potential HMPV outbreak. Our oxygen plants are operational, and we already have a 33-bed isolation ward in place. If needed, we can arrange 400 to 450 isolation beds at short notice,” he said.
Dr Gupta added that all logistics and support systems established during the COVID-19 era, including ventilators, have been re-evaluated to ensure their functionality. He explained that HMPV, like many other respiratory viruses, typically affects individuals of all age groups, particularly during winter and early spring.
“The virus generally causes mild and self-limiting infections, and most cases recover on their own,” Dr Gupta assured, advising people to remain cautious rather than anxious. He said there is no immediate cause for alarm while vigilance and adherence to preventive measures are keys to managing the situation effectively.
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