Yogi govt in action mode to prevent black fungus, likely 3rd wave; every district to have 100 pediatric beds

New Delhi: The Yogi-led Uttar Pradesh Government is buckled up to tackle the third COVID-19 wave and new fear of the ‘black fungus’ which have been found among a few coronavirus infected patients in Uttar Pradesh.

Though the cases of this deadly disease are very rare in the state, its lethality has prompted the Yogi Government to issue warnings, and put doctors on a high alert.

The Chief Minister, while addressing a high level meeting, asked his officials to ensure sufficient quantity of medical aids required for the treatment of black fungus.

Stating that the total population of the state and the number of patients should be kept in view while sending the demand letter, the CM said, “Ensure adequate availability of all essential medicines by communicating with health experts regarding the cause and treatment method of black fungus,” he said adding, “A letter should be sent to the Government of India requesting to increase the allocation.”

He also instructed the officials to make sure proper treatment is being provided in every district including Lucknow and Meerut, where more patients infected with this deadly disease are found.

The CM has ordered to make arrangements at the hospitals on the lines of ICU to ensure top class treatment. These pediatric ICU beds with all the resources will be working as ‘Raksha Kavach’ in hospitals in every district of the state.

These cities will have PICU wards in a week

State Child Rights Protection Commission Chairman Dr. Vishesh Gupta informed that PICU ward will be established within a week in Pratapgarh (30 beds), Prayagraj (25 beds), Jalaun (10 beds) and Kaushambi (20 beds).

Dr. Gupta also informed that the work of setting up PICU is underway on war-footing in Jhansi, Amethi, Mathura, Moradabad, Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, Meerut, Chitrakoot, Lucknow and Azamgarh.

Every district to have 50-100 pediatric beds

While dealing with the second wave of COVID-19, he has given instructions to set up at least 100 Pediatric beds in every district of the state.

Dr. Salman Khan, a pediatrician at Dufferin Hospital in Lucknow, said that the decision of the Yogi Government to set up 50-100 pediatric beds in all the major cities has been found very effective in the treatment of children.

Dr. Khan stated that all the facilities have been provided in PICU (Pediatric Intensive Care Unit) for children above one month, NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) for children below one month and SNCU (Sick Newborn care Unit)- established at maternity hospitals.

These beds will be small in size and have railing on the sides. Severely infected children will be provided with treatment and oxygen.

ASHA workers should be trained

CM Yogi also said that the Department of Medical Education has experience of setting up ‘PICU’ in BRD Medical College, BHU and KGMU. Also, the Health Department has established PICU in several districts of the state affected by encephalitis. “Taking the benefit of this experience, paediatricians, technicians, paramedical staff of all district hospitals and medical colleges should be trained.”

The CM on Wednesday stated that phase training of ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers should also be done and quality of training should be maintained.