MGM hospital gets ready to take on Covid-19

Warangal: Instead of running helter-skelter in case of exigency, the authorities set up an exclusive ward in MGM Hospital to deal with the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), if at all need arises. Although Warangal region has not witnessed any suspected cases of COVID-19, the development is seen as a readiness and preparedness measure on part of the government.

At a time when the world is shivering under the impact of coronavirus, signalling its readiness the authorities set up a 25-bed ward in MGM Hospital on a war footing measure. The MGM Hospital which caters to the healthcare needs of the tri-cities of Warangal-Hanamkonda-Kazipet, neighbouring districts and Sironcha region in Maharashtra draws anywhere from 1,300 to 2,000 outpatients every day.

It may be mentioned here that the Health Medical and Family Welfare Department's bulletin released in Hyderabad on Wednesday states that 45 out of the 47 samples were found to be negative and the other two samples are being sent to National Institute of Virology in Pune for further investigations.

Speaking to The Hans India, MGM Hospital Superintendent B Srinivas Rao said: "So far, we haven't come across any suspected case of COVID-19. The government has directed us to set up an exclusive ward to deal with the malady. The ward is aloof from other wards so that to provide treatment and keep the suspected patients in isolation." When asked about the competency of the hospital in dealing with the coronavirus, the Superintendent said that the doctors are well-oriented and knowledge of procedures. There is nothing to worry, Dr Rao asserted.

Dr A Naresh, a Consultant Rheumatologist at the Sri Medilife Hospital in Hanamkonda, said: "It's a welcome move from the State Government. Certainly we need a special isolation ward to deal with those affected with COVID-19, and there was a need for procuring the N95 masks for healthcare staff and close relatives of patients."

Meanwhile, General Medicine Head of the Department Dr V Chandrasekhar and RMO Dr Harish Raj have been appointed as the Nodal Officer and the Coordinator for the special ward. SPM HoD Dr Nirmala, Microbiology HoD Dr Sridevi are the members of the monitoring committee.