Question : CASES OF EBOLA

(a) whether any case of Ebola has been identified in the country and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has reviewed the present state of preparedness in the wake of reports of inadequate drugs, equipment, trained manpower and quarantine facilities to deal with any outbreak of the Ebola virus in the country;

(c) if so, the details and the outcome thereof along with the remedial measures being taken by the Government to strengthen the health infrastructure to deal with Ebola cases in this regard;

(d) whether the protocols and guidelines issued by the Government for screening of passengers from Ebola-hit countries are reportedly not being implemented properly in the country, if so, the details thereof along with the action being taken by the Government in this regard; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken by the Government for development of drugs and vaccines to treat Ebola cases along with the outcome thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

(SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a): No case of Ebola Virus Disease has been reported in India so far.

(b) to (d): The Government has been reviewing the preparedness and response measures with all concerned stakeholders and inter-departmental meetings, video conference with the States and technical reviews in Directorate General of Health Services have been held. To detect Ebola cases which may come to India from the affected West African countries, screening of passengers at 18 International airports and 9 major ports is being done. Health units are functioning at the airports and are manned by trained medical and paramedical staff. A decision has now been taken to re-route arrival into India of passengers from affected countries to seven International Airports (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Kochi). Thermal scanners have been installed at the relevant Airports. The Integrated Disease Surveillance Project is tracking those passengers who arrive from affected countries with history of contact with a suspect or confirmed Ebola case. Two laboratories namely National Institute of Virology, Pune and National Centre for Disease Control, Delhi are testing clinical samples of high risk passengers. 10 more existing laboratories with required bio safety level (BSL) standards have been identified to collect, test and store samples. State Governments have earmarked isolation facilities to manage cases of Ebola Virus Disease. Rapid Response Teams of all States and master trainers from 25 States have been trained. Personal Protective Equipments were provided to all States. A 24x7 helpline has been operational in Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

(e): There was a global consultation process spearheaded by World Health Organization on experimental drugs and vaccines to treat Ebola Virus Disease. However, as on date vaccine/drugs specifically for Ebola Virus Disease are not available.