Hospitals in Kolkata are putting their extensively upgraded health infrastructure from the Covid-19 pandemic to good use. They are preparing to tackle the Nipah virus effectively in case of a surge. Health experts emphasize that Nipah does not have the potential to become a pandemic like Covid-19. However, they stress that surveillance and preparedness remain absolutely essential.
Nodal Center and Isolation Facilities Identified
The state health department has already designated the Infectious Diseases & Beliaghata General Hospital (ID&BGH) as the nodal center for Nipah. This action is in preparation for any possible outbreak. Authorities have earmarked ten isolation cabins along with around twenty critical care beds specifically for this purpose.
A state health official explained the current strategy. "Facilities in these isolation cabins and CCU were used extensively for treatment of Covid patients during the multiple surges," the official said. "While we can escalate the number of isolation beds and facilities, Nipah does not have the potential to become a pandemic. Hence, we see no reason to do so for now."
Hospitals on High Alert and Ready
Sources indicate that doctors at the state's nodal hospital for infectious diseases are well-trained and experienced. They are accustomed to dealing with various contagious diseases, including Covid-19 and swine flu. A special team is being kept ready specifically to handle any Nipah cases that may arise.
The government has not issued any particular new guidelines for hospitals regarding Nipah. Despite this, health facilities across both government and private sectors report they are closely monitoring developments. They are keeping their infrastructure prepared and ready for action.
Sudipta Mitra, CEO of Peerless Hospital, highlighted the advantage gained from the Covid-19 experience. "The Covid experience gave us the edge on isolation facilities and infection control protocol," Mitra stated. "Therefore, we can utilise those facilities in case the need arises."
Coordination and Internal Preparedness
Sombrata Ray, unit head at CK Birla Hospitals, CMRI, confirmed their readiness. "We are fully prepared to manage Nipah virus cases with our state-of-the-art isolation protocols," Ray said. "We are in constant coordination with the state health authorities. We are ready to support the National Joint Outbreak Response Team during this Nipah alert."
Some hospitals have already initiated internal meetings. They are discussing isolation procedures, treatment protocols, and preventive measures. Sayan Chakraborty, an infectious diseases specialist at Manipal Hospitals in Dhakuria, detailed their preparations.
"We are ready with our isolation and treatment protocol in case we get any suspect or confirmed cases," Chakraborty explained. "We also ran a check on our PPE stock and other preventive devices. Healthcare workers also need such measures while providing treatment. We will also be working in close liaison with the state government if the need arises."
Enhanced Vigilance at Fever Clinics
Hospitals are also planning for stricter vigilance in their fever clinics. This is crucial because the initial symptoms of Nipah virus infection resemble those of the common flu. Patients presenting with flu-like symptoms will be monitored more closely.
MS Purkait, medical superintendent at Techno India DAMA Hospital, outlined their approach. "We are alert and keeping a close watch on the situation," Purkait said. "We are monitoring fever cases in our fever clinic. Suspected cases are being referred to ID Hospital or the School of Tropical Medicine for further evaluation."
The collective effort showcases how Kolkata's healthcare system is leveraging past experiences to stay proactive. The infrastructure and protocols developed during the Covid-19 pandemic are now serving as a strong foundation for addressing new health threats like the Nipah virus.
