Several private hospitals in Kolkata have made a proactive decision. They are sending samples from Nipah virus suspects to designated testing centers immediately. This action comes without waiting for an official government directive.
Testing Delays Pose a Serious Threat
Hospitals in Kolkata currently lack their own Nipah testing facilities. This situation could cause significant delays in treatment. Hospital authorities expressed deep concern about this potential lag.
Even with screening and segregation of suspected patients, confirming a virus sample takes time. The process may require at least five days. Patients showing only milder symptoms might escape early detection if diagnosis is slow.
Hospitals Forge Their Own Testing Paths
Fortis Hospital took independent action. Their internal medicine consultant, Joydeep Ghosh, explained the move. "Since AIIMS, Kalyani is a designated centre, we decided to send the samples without waiting for a govt nod," Ghosh said. Fortunately, both reports from their sent samples returned negative.
BP Poddar Hospital established a partnership with a lab in Hyderabad. This lab is specifically designated for Nipah testing. Group advisor Supriyo Chakrabarty detailed the timeline. "Physical reports are received within 48 hours, while electronic reports are available by the next day," he stated.
Preparedness and Isolation Measures in Place
Charnock Hospital prepared two isolation beds in its ICU for potential suspects. The hospital did not receive any such patients yet. Dr. Soumya Sengupta, head of pulmonology, outlined their protocol.
"We instructed our doctors in an emergency to screen for symptoms of respiratory diseases and isolate patients who look like suspects," Sengupta said. "In case we get one, the patient's samples will be sent to AIIMS, Kalyani. Any patient with high fever, altered mental state or shortness of breath will be screened for Nipah."
An official from a private hospital highlighted the risk of delay. "It could take five days to a week for a test report to reach us if it goes through the govt channel," the official said. "An infected patient with mild symptoms poses a threat, as he or she would invariably come into contact with several others in the community. Delay in protocol issuance would increase the chances of a spread."
Hospitals Await Official Word While Staying Ready
Peerless Hospital maintains a four-bed isolation unit originally set up during Covid. CEO Sudipta Mitra expressed hope. "We hope to receive a directive soon," Mitra said. Chief microbiologist Bhaskar Narayan Chaudhury noted the confirmation process takes several days.
The lack of a clear government order creates uncertainty. A hospital head raised a critical question. "We are still waiting for a govt directive on sending samples and isolating patients. We received feedback from unconfirmed sources that suspects will have to be sent to Beliaghata ID. But what if we receive a patient before the directive comes?"
Internal Reviews and Silent Screening Begin
Woodlands Hospital formed a special four-member committee. This group will review the ongoing situation. The hospital has already started screening patients. CEO Rupak Barua described their cautious approach.
"We are screening silently now and will step up measures once the govt directive comes," Barua explained.
Some institutions are not waiting at all. Hospitals like Desun decided to issue their own internal advisory. They acted without the government's official instructions.
CMRI Hospital identified 14 isolation beds specifically for Nipah cases. Unit head Sombrata Ray clarified their position. "We are waiting for the govt directive on testing and isolation but are ready to deal with symptomatic patients," Ray said.
Ruby General Hospital also stands prepared. The hospital has four isolation beds ready for any potential Nipah virus patients.
