ENT Hospital in Hyderabad, nodal centre for black fungus patients in Telangana

Hyderabad: The state government has decided that all black fungus cases can be referred for multidisciplinary treatment at the Government ENT Hospital.

The ENT Hospital is the nodal centre for treating cases of black fungus or mucormycosis, according to Director of Medical Education (DME) Dr Ramesh Reddy. Patients who are Covid-19 positive and developed black fungus will be treated at Gandhi Hospital, said the official.

The government also pointed out the drug ‘liposomal amphotericin B’ used in treating black fungus was in short supply and steps had been taken to procure sufficient stocks.

Dr Ramesh Reddy said, "This drug is not used widely, hence production is not as per the present demand. We are procuring it along with other alternative drugs like posaconazole and fluconazole to treat patients. People must not panic but approach hospitals on time for treatment."

The DME stated that all private hospitals had been asked to keep oxygen flow meters in sterile conditions to minimise infections. The nodal centre will work for the benefit of patients and also help doctors to coordinate with black fungus affected patients.