No need for panic, we are well prepared, say officials
Hyderabad: Following the detection of a Covid-19 case in Hyderabad earlier this week and rising cases in other states, government hospitals in the city have activated precautionary protocols, though health officials say there is no immediate cause for concern. The health department has stepped up its alert, and a 30-bed dedicated Covid ward was activated at Gandhi Hospital on Friday.
Doctors said the current variant appeared mild and was unlikely to cause severe illness or hospitalisation. “While the new strain doesn’t seem alarming, we are watching the situation closely and ensuring readiness,” a senior medical officer said.
At Osmania General Hospital, resident medical officer Dr Siddiqui said RT-PCR tests were being conducted for symptomatic individuals and pre-surgery patients. “We haven’t received fresh guidelines yet, but standard protocols are in place,” he added.
The hospital has adequate supplies of oxygen, N95 masks, PPE kits and medicines, supported by three oxygen plants. A drill to test emergency preparedness was conducted in March. Though Osmania was not a designated Covid facility earlier, it has an isolation ward ready for use.
King Koti Government Hospital, a key facility during previous waves, remains well-prepared. “We haven’t set up a new ward yet, but everything is in place and can be activated once we get the green light,” said Dr Rajendranath, superintendent of the hospital. Government Fever Hospital has a 24-bed isolation ward, and a medical officer confirmed that oxygen, medicines and PPE kits have been stocked in advance.
In Malakpet, Mamidipudi Nagarjuna Area Hospital is conducting regular testing. “We have about 20 beds available if needed. A general ward has been earmarked for Covid care,” said Dr S. Trilok Shyam, medical superintendent. King Koti and Malakpet were key centres for Covid treatment during earlier waves, once Gandhi Hospital reached capacity. With infrastructure intact and supplies ready, Hyderabad’s government hospitals say they are prepared to manage any rise in cases calmly and efficiently, without sparking panic.
Meanwhile, health minister Damodar Rajanarasimha on Saturday convened a review meeting to assess the Covid-19 situation and the government’s preparedness to effectively manage seasonal diseases. Present at the meeting were health secretary Christina Z. Chongthu and senior officials.
Officials and subject experts presented a detailed briefing on the Covid situation. In India, the situation remains stable. A limited number of JN.1 variant cases have been detected, a variant that has been in circulation since 2023 and currently poses no significant concern, officials said.
They clarified that no new advisories or guidelines have been issued by the Union ministry of health.
