Nationwide Covid Mock Drill Today as Active Cases Cross 4,000: Centre Focuses on Hospital Readiness

As India sees a gradual rise in Covid-19 cases once again, the Union Health Ministry is conducting a nationwide mock drill today, 5 June 2025, to assess the preparedness of hospitals. With active cases surpassing the 4,000 mark, this drill aims to ensure that both public and private healthcare facilities are equipped to manage a potential surge efficiently and without delay.

---

Why the Drill Now?

The sudden rise in daily Covid cases across multiple states, particularly in Maharashtra, Kerala, and Delhi, has prompted the Centre to revisit readiness protocols. While the current wave appears mild, the government is taking no chances.

The mock drill is designed to review oxygen supply chains, availability of isolation beds, functioning of ventilators, and staff response times in hospitals — including those in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities where infrastructure can be stretched in emergencies.

---

What Will Be Checked?

All district-level hospitals, medical colleges, and major private hospitals have been asked to participate. The drill includes:

• Functionality of oxygen plants and concentrators
• Stock levels of essential Covid-related medicines
• Staff availability for Covid duty on short notice
• Readiness of ICU beds and emergency rooms
• Real-time reporting systems

Officials from the Health Ministry and state health departments will monitor the process through virtual and in-person audits.

---

Focus on Smaller Cities

While metros like Mumbai and Delhi are better equipped, Tier 2 cities such as Bhopal, Nagpur, Patna, and Surat are under special focus. During the previous Covid waves, these regions faced challenges due to limited resources and delayed logistics.

Local administrations have been told to ensure full participation and report bottlenecks, if any. The Centre has also advised states to map hospitals region-wise to ensure even distribution of critical resources.

---

Current Situation: Rising, but Under Control

As of the latest update, India reported over 4,200 active Covid cases, with most being mild and manageable at home. No new variant of concern has been flagged by health authorities yet. However, seasonal flu symptoms are often being mistaken for Covid, prompting testing centres to stay alert.

Public health experts say that while the situation is not alarming, early assessment and preparation are the best tools to prevent strain on the healthcare system.

---

Conclusion

The nationwide Covid mock drill is a proactive step to safeguard the healthcare infrastructure amid rising case numbers. By focusing equally on urban centres and smaller towns, the exercise aims to create a more balanced and effective pandemic response. As India moves into the monsoon season — often associated with increased viral infections — such readiness checks could make all the difference in staying ahead of the curve.