PM Modi seeks constant genome sequencing for new mutants

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reviewed the Covid-19 situation in the states amid high number of cases in Kerala and concerns of a third wave, and emphasised on the need for constant genome sequencing to monitor emergence of new mutants.

At a high-level meeting, the prime minister was briefed about declining active cases, preparedness of health systems for a possible third wave, availability of medical oxygen and production, supply and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.

Though several countries across the world are witnessing a surge in Covid-19 cases, the number of active cases in India have been on a decline. The weekly positivity is at less than 3% for the 10th consecutive week. There are only about 35 districts with a test positivity rate of over 10%.


Modi spoke about the need to rapidly augment infrastructure and ecosystem to deal with a possible third wave from adequate testing and genome sequencing to ensuring increased oxygen availability and healthcare facilities across the country including rural areas.

The officers informed him that Insacog – a countrywide network to monitor genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 through sequencing – now consists of 28 laboratories distributed across the country. The lab network is linked with a hospital network for clinical correlation. Sewage sampling is also being done for genomic surveillance, they said.

The prime minister was also apprised that states have been requested to share SARS-COV-2 positive samples with Insacog regularly.

States have been advised to redesign and orient primary care and block-level health infrastructure to manage the situation in rural areas.