The Gujarat state government has initiated intensive screening of passengers arriving at Ahmedabad airport from African countries affected by the Ebola outbreak, including Uganda, Congo, and South Sudan. Although no suspected cases have been reported in Gujarat so far, State Health Minister Praful Pansheriya announced on Monday that screening measures have been intensified in accordance with the central government's standard operating procedure (SOP). Isolation facilities have been established at the airport and at hospitals in Ahmedabad and Surat.
Preparedness Measures
The minister chaired a meeting with officials on Monday to assess Gujarat's preparedness and planning regarding the Ebola threat. He stated that intensive screening is being conducted between 6 PM and 10 AM for all passengers arriving from Ebola-affected African countries. “There is not a single case of the Ebola virus in Gujarat or India at present, and there is no need to panic. The health department team has been directed to strictly follow the guidelines and SOP prescribed by the Centre,” Pansheriya said.
Passengers from other countries are facing no inconvenience, and administrative and health officials are fully prepared to handle any situation, the minister added.
Healthcare Infrastructure
Pansheriya detailed that 32 beds have been designated for suspected cases at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital and 10 beds at Surat Civil Hospital for emergencies. Additionally, a 60-bed isolation ward and special arrangements have been made at SVP Hospital in Ahmedabad for treating suspected patients. “If any passenger is found to be a suspected case, the state government is fully prepared to start treatment immediately as per the guidelines of the Union government,” he added.
Ebola is a viral hemorrhagic fever caused by infection with the Bundibugyo strain of the virus and is known to have a high mortality rate. The Indian government has advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan. Countries bordering these nations have been assessed to be at high risk of disease transmission, the advisory said.
