Team Herald
PANJIM: As many as 12 COVID-19 patients are detected with Mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’ in Goa, as per the data released by the Central government.
The State health authorities, however, maintained that there are only seven cases and all are being treated in Goa Medical College and Hospital, Bambolim.
The Union Ministry of chemicals and fertilizers on Saturday announced an allocation of 50 additional vials of Amphotericin- B, a key drug to treat raging Mucormycosis, to Goa. Earlier the State was allocated 100 Amphotericin-B, while it has placed an order for 2,000 vials. As per the list released by the Ministry, Goa has 12 patients.
The country overall has 8,848 cases of black fungus.
Addressing media persons, Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar said State has total seven cases at present. “In GMC, six cases were already under treatment. One more case is referred from a private hospital, taking total to seven,” Bandekar said ruling out any deaths due to black fungus infection.
He also said that the GMC’s in-hour pharmacy has placed order for 2000 Amphotericin- B vials. “We have made a separate ward to treat the black fungus cases,” Bandekar said.
A separate ward comprising of 20 beds to treat the patients with black fungus is already in operation at GMC. The Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare has already issued advisory to the States to ensure robust infection prevention and control practices.
