Ebola-free certificate must for people coming from some African nations: JP Nadda

NEW DELHI: India has issued advisories to its embassies in various Ebola affected African countries such as Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Niger, making it mandatory for all passengers travelling from these countries or those who have been treated for the disease to carry a certificate ensuring that there is no evidence of the virus in their body fluids, health minister Jagat Prakash Nadda informed Lok Sabha on Friday. Passengers will be required to carry these certificates from the health ministry of the country concerned.

The advisories were issued to the Indian embassies in Abidjan, Dakar, Abuja, Accra and Niamey last week on directions from Nadda. "Passengers who do not possess the certificate as mentioned... are advised not to travel to India for a period of 90 days from the day he or she is discharged from the treatment facility," Nadda said in a written statement.

The move comes after the semen sample of an Indian, who came from Liberia to India earlier this month, tested positive for the deadly virus. While the man's other body fluids tested negative and he was quarantined at the airport, this alarmed authorities. The health ministry took immediate measures to deal with Ebola and stop it from entering the country.

Nadda also informed the House about central teams being sent to various airports to inspect and ensure proper surveillance. "Guidelines on setting up of isolation facilities, screening of travelers and disinfection procedures etc have been provided to the states/airports and ports," Nadda said.

Besides, the Centre has also provided personal protective equipment required for handling Ebola affected persons to states. Isolation facilities have also been identified in various states to tackle any crisis.