New Delhi: Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav has raised concerns over the government’s preparedness in light of the recent mild spike in COVID-19 cases across India. In a post on X, he warned against complacency and urged the government to take proactive steps to avoid repeating the errors of the past health crises.
“Before the alarm bell rings, the government must be alert in time to control and prevent Corona, so that the mistakes of carelessness and mismanagement like last time are not repeated again,” Yadav wrote.
He criticized the ruling BJP, stating that its previous mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic proved “fatal for the people.” Yadav also took a swipe at the COVID vaccine campaign, remarking:
“Now even that vaccine for Corona, whose certificates were distributed in large numbers, has proved to be unsuccessful.”
Calls for Heightened Vigilance
Although he acknowledged that the current COVID-19 situation is not alarming, Yadav stressed the importance of early caution:
“The situation of Corona is not very serious right now, but still it should not be neglected… such diseases come in a changed form.”
He urged the government to strengthen health and information systems to contain any potential outbreak and prevent public panic.
COVID-19 Situation in India Remains Under Control
As of May 19, India has reported 257 active COVID-19 cases, reflecting a slight uptick. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) recently held a review meeting with experts from top medical and disaster response agencies, including:
- National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC)
- Emergency Medical Relief (EMR) Division
- Disaster Management Cell
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Central Government Hospitals
The meeting was chaired by the Director General of Health Services (DGHS). Officials stated that while Singapore and Hong Kong have reported surges, the infections there are mild with no unusual severity or deaths. Indian experts concluded that the domestic situation is under control.
Surveillance Systems in Place
India continues to monitor COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses through a robust surveillance network, which includes:
- Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP)
- ICMR laboratories and data infrastructure
The Health Ministry reassured citizens that preparedness remains strong, but also encouraged continued public awareness and responsible behavior.
Conclusion
While the data reflects a manageable situation, leaders like Akhilesh Yadav are urging extra vigilance, transparent communication, and swift action to avoid a repeat of the painful pandemic experiences. The government, in turn, has reaffirmed its commitment to early detection, effective containment, and coordinated healthcare response.