Bangalore hospital to tackle imported Ebola virus in city

Mangalore Today News Network

Bangalore, Aug 04, 2014:  With the fear of Ebola virus gripping across the world, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases (RGICD) in Bangalore is gearing up to face those suspected to have contracted the deadly virus.  Being the City’s referral hospital for those suspected to have contracted the virus, the institute will now be prepared with separate rooms to ensure patient isolation.

Speaking to Media on August 3, Dr Shashidhar Buggi, Director, Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Chest Diseases said: “ We have six rooms and two halls that have been kept aside for this purpose. After the out-patient department was shifted to new building, these wards have become vacant,” He added that 16 beds can be put up in the halls.

The officials of Department of Health and Family Welfare held a meeting following which a list of precautionary measures have been put in place.  “We have co-ordinated with the Regional Director of Union Welfare in the City. Screening at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) will start August 4.

Along with MERS and Yellow fever screening, there would be screening for Ebola virus for patients who come from countries that are affected” said Geetha Nyamagoudar, Director, Department of Health and Family Welfare.  She also said that other officials and hospital authorities have been alerted on dealing with any emergency.

 

Nyamagoudar said that those suspected and showing symptoms would be sent to the Rajiv Gandhi Institute for Chest Diseases and samples would be examined at the National Institute of Virology and the matter dealt with as best.

Dedicated centre :   Dr Buggi said that he would write to the State Health department for setting up of a dedicated centre for virus attacks that are non-specific for Centre for Excellence dedicated to international patients who have contracted viruses such as Ebola and MERS. He opined that having separate wards would minimise the risk of contact and spread.

“I request that the centre be made of international standards. There is enough space at the Institute itself for establishment of the same,” Buggi added.  “The advantage of housing such a special centre would be that consultants would be available on the spot in case of an emergency,” the director said.   “We can isolate patients from visitors and further minimise  spreading of the disease.

With cameras installed near patients, visitors can be allowed to interact with them from a  distance. By this, we will also meet  the international standards compatible foreign patient norms,”  Dr. Buggi informed.