Despite reporting zero confirmed COVID-19 cases in 2025, Meghalaya’s health authorities have significantly intensified their preparedness and surveillance measures. This proactive step follows a high-level review meeting led by Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar, who heads the Medical Expert Committee. The meeting focused on reinforcing healthcare systems across the state in light of emerging national trends of COVID-19 resurgence elsewhere in the country.

The decision was made in response to the state's comprehensive disease surveillance data, which showed no reported COVID-19 cases so far in 2025—a major milestone since the outbreak began in 2020. However, health officials emphasized that the absence of current cases should not lead to complacency, and vigilance must continue to be a top priority.

A directive issued by the health department following the review underlined the need for enhanced testing, preparedness, and active surveillance. All government and private hospitals across Meghalaya have been instructed to evaluate and ensure their readiness to handle potential COVID-19 cases. This includes reviewing their oxygen supply infrastructure, intensive care unit (ICU) capacity, and protocols for monitoring respiratory infections.

One of the key focuses is on boosting surveillance for Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI), Influenza-like Illness (ILI), and fever-related cases. These conditions, often early indicators of COVID-19 or other infectious diseases, will now be closely tracked, particularly in high-traffic areas such as markets and public institutions.

The review meeting also featured a presentation by the state surveillance officer from the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP), who shared a detailed dataset mapping the progression of COVID-19 in the state from 2020 through May 2025. The presentation also included updates on current vaccination coverage and the overall state of public health response infrastructure.

As part of the state’s renewed preparedness efforts, health authorities have instructed hospitals to recheck their inventories of essential medicines and ensure that COVID-19 testing centers across all districts are fully functional and well-equipped. These measures aim to ensure that the state can respond quickly and effectively in case of any future outbreaks.

Furthermore, medical institutions have been directed to revisit and update their internal Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), incorporating lessons learned from past COVID-19 waves. This includes effective isolation protocols, treatment guidelines, and infection control practices.

The health department reiterated its commitment to maintaining public safety without creating panic. It emphasized the importance of a calm, informed, and coordinated approach, working hand-in-hand with healthcare professionals and institutions.

Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar urged all healthcare providers to adopt a proactive and preventive stance. He highlighted the need for consistent monitoring of ILI/SARI and fever trends, especially in locations with high public footfall, such as markets and educational institutions. Kumar’s message underscored the importance of readiness, even in the absence of active cases, to safeguard public health and avoid any future crises.

Overall, Meghalaya’s approach reflects a model of precautionary planning and sustained vigilance, ensuring the state remains well-prepared for any potential developments related to COVID-19.