New Delhi: India has introduced Air Suvidha 2.0, a new digital health declaration system, as part of its efforts to strengthen screening of international travellers following the global Ebola health emergency. The upgraded platform is aimed at improving disease surveillance at airports and ensuring that passengers arriving from or passing through Ebola affected countries are screened quickly and efficiently before entering the country.
The new portal has been launched jointly by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Delhi International Airport Limited. It replaces the earlier paper based process with a fully digital system that allows passengers to submit their health information online before travelling. Officials say the move will make airport health checks faster while helping authorities identify any potential health risks at an early stage.
Under the new rules, international passengers travelling from or transiting through countries affected by the Ebola outbreak must complete a Health Self Declaration Form on the Air Suvidha 2.0 portal up to 24 hours before their arrival in India. The declaration is mandatory before immigration clearance and is expected to help health authorities respond more quickly if a suspected case is detected.
The form requires travellers to provide details about their recent travel history, possible exposure to Ebola patients or affected areas, and whether they have experienced symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding. The information will be used to assess the health risk of each passenger and decide if further screening or medical evaluation is necessary upon arrival.
The launch comes after the World Health Organization declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The current outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and has affected parts of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While India has not reported any confirmed Ebola cases, health authorities have decided to strengthen surveillance at all international points of entry as a preventive measure.
Government officials said Air Suvidha 2.0 has been designed to improve coordination between airport health teams, immigration officials and state health departments. The digital platform allows passenger information to be shared in real time, making it easier for authorities to trace contacts and respond rapidly if a suspected case is identified.
The system also offers a smoother experience for travellers by reducing paperwork and long queues at airports. Officials believe the upgraded platform will improve both public health protection and passenger convenience while maintaining strict disease monitoring measures.
Along with the launch of Air Suvidha 2.0, the government has stepped up health surveillance at airports, seaports and land border crossings. Medical teams have been placed on alert, and rapid response units have been kept ready to handle any suspected Ebola case if required. State governments have also been advised to remain vigilant and ensure preparedness in hospitals and public health facilities.
According to government officials, nearly 4,000 international passengers have already been screened as part of the enhanced surveillance measures. Authorities have stressed that these precautions are intended to prevent the spread of the disease and that there is currently no confirmed Ebola infection in India.
Health experts have welcomed the move, saying early detection and timely reporting are among the most effective ways to prevent the spread of highly infectious diseases. They noted that digital systems such as Air Suvidha 2.0 can significantly improve public health preparedness by enabling quicker data collection, better coordination between agencies and faster response during health emergencies.
The government has urged international travellers to cooperate with the new requirements and submit accurate information before travelling. Officials said the upgraded platform is an important step in protecting public health while ensuring that international travel continues safely amid the ongoing global Ebola alert.