The battle continues...
The government hospital in Kolhapur, Maharashtra has taken prudent steps to fight against the possible third wave of COVID-19. The following on-ground report throws light on it.
News
Akash Umesh Khandke
Kolhapur: This is a great strategy where you anticipate and prepare much in advance. The staff at Chhatrapati Parmilatai Raje Hospital (CPR), a government hospital in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, is confident that they can tackle the possible third wave of COVID-19.
According to the hospital's management, a children’s ward of 30 beds equipped with ventilators and other requisite medical equipment has been set up. For mild and asymptomatic children, a covid centre containing 100 beds is ready.
"It is a misconception among people that the third wave of COVID-19 will affect only children. According to various studies, this wave will infect people of all age groups. For the last 10 days, 1000 to 1500 people have been testing positive for the virus in Kolhapur. Earlier the cases were crossing the 2000 mark every day. This implies that the COVID-19 curve has stabilized. However, people should stay at home and take precautions to avoid the third wave," says Mr. More, Dean, CPR Hospital.
Mucormycosis infection is the new big challenge amid COVID-19. Currently, 80 patients infected with mucormycosis are admitted. According to the dean, this is a fungal infection that is prevalent among people who have recovered from COVID-19 infection. If not treated on time, the patient may lose eyesight. We have been operating 4 to 6 patients infected with mucormycosis every day.
The treatment expense of mucormycosis is covered under Mahatma Jyotirao Phule Jan Arogya Yojna. There are 31 hospitals in the Kolhapur district registered under this scheme where patients can avail free treatment.
According to many patients and their relatives, the CPR hospital is one of the best options for COVID-19 treatment in the city.
"I was admitted to the CPR's COVID-19 ward for 10 days. The hospital staff was available round the clock. Senior doctors visited the ward twice a day. Many of my colleagues who were admitted in private hospitals were not happy with the facilities in those hospitals," says Atul More.
Even though the COVID-19 infections have been plummeting throughout the district, the patients' load on CPR is still significant. There are 490 beds reserved for COVID-19 patients. Along with this, there are 10 waiting beds.
"Many people come directly for admission without confirming the availability of beds at war rooms. When they run out of funds, relatives discharge patients from private hospitals and bring them here. Owing to this all the beds are always occupied" says Bunty Sawant, storekeeper at the hospital.
