The minister said RT-PCR tests would be done at the Gandhi Hospital and the samples would be sent to the lab in Pune for confirmation of Monkeypox.
Published Jul 18, 2022 | 8:00 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 20, 2022 | 12:01 PM
Telangana minister T Harish Rao has said all doctors should increase their awareness about the symptoms, tests, and treatment of Monkeypox and explain it to the field-level staff (Supplied)
Even as Kerala reported its second case of monkeypox on Monday, 18 July, Telangana Health Minister T Harish Rao assigned the Fever Hospital in Hyderabad as the nodal centre for the treatment of Monkeypox cases, if they occur in the state.
“Apart from setting up a special centre for diagnosis at Gandhi Hospital, the Fever Hospital has been selected as a nodal hospital for immediate treatment of suspected cases,” said Rao on Monday in a meeting with health officials to create awareness about the symptoms, tests, identification and treatment of Monkeypox.
“Necessary arrangements have been made for that,” he added.
The minister said RT-PCR tests would be done at the Gandhi Hospital and the samples would be sent to the lab in Pune for confirmation of Monkeypox.
He added that even though no case has been detected, the state’s medical and health department was fully alert about Monkeypox.
“I am aware of the increase in cases in different countries and other states, and we are following WHO and ICMR guidelines,” said Rao.
“There is no need to worry about Monkeypox cases. Although up to 12,000 cases have been registered in more than 60 countries, only two cases have been registered in Kerala. So far, not a single one has come to light in our state,” he added.
The minister suggested that all doctors should increase their awareness about the symptoms, tests, and treatment of Monkeypox and explain it to the field-level staff.
As soon as the symptoms related to the virus are identified, samples are to be collected from the victims, and tests ordered, he said.
“Travellers coming to the state from countries where Monkeypox has been reported should remain in isolation, and if they show any suspicious symptoms, they should immediately go to the nearest government hospitals and undergo basic tests,” said Rao.
Seasonal diseases are likely to increase due to rains and floods.
As a result, doctors in all hospitals have been advised to be alert for 10 days.
“If necessary, Out-Patient time should be increased to provide necessary medical services to the people,” said Rao.
“In all the hospitals, the superintendents should check the problems from time to time and solve them immediately. They should ensure that patients get good medical services,” he added.
“Telangana diagnostic centres should work 24 hours and steps should be taken to give the results as quickly as possible,” said the minister.
