Wenlock to get Genomic lab for Covid mutant study

Bengaluru, June 1, 2021: Seven genomic labs will be established in Karnataka to study the mutated strains found in second wave.

These labs will come up at Wenlock Hospital- Mangaluru, Vijayapura District Hospital and 5 medical colleges.

“This study will help us to understand the virus better and for development of better medicine and treatment protocol based on the nature of virus,” Health Minister Dr Sudhakar told reporters after a meeting today.

Health Minister Dr. Sudhakar chaired a meeting with senior officials of Health and Family Welfare and Medical Departments to review the prevailing Covid-19 situation in the state and containment measures

He said to ensure preparedness for a possible third wave, state government has decided to set up pediatrics wards in all district hospitals.

“A dedicated 70-80 bed pediatrics ward will be arranged in all district hospitals. Additional pediatricians and nursing staff will also be recruited wherever it is necessary. A special training session will be conducted through RGUHS to train MBBS and other technical staff,” he said.

CM to decide on easing restrictions

Technical Advisory Committee has submitted it’s report and CM will decide on modalities of easing restrictions gradually. Experts have advised that restrictions can be eased if positivity rate is less than 5% and the number to cases reduces to 5,000. However, positivity rate is still high in many districts. So we need to exercise caution, the Minister said.

State has received another consignment of 1.64 lakh doses of Covaxin. The available stock will be used to vaccinate citizens above 45 years who are due for second dose. Vaccine will be eventually made available to all once the supply increases, he added.

State will get more Amphotericin

Black fungus infection is treatable. However in some cases where the infection has reached eyes, removal becomes inevitable to weed out even the tiniest trace of the infection so that it doses not invade the brain. If the fungus invades brain it is very dangerous. Hence eyes are removed to stop the spread to brain and not due to lack of medicine. Treatment of black fungus will be decided by Ophthalmologists, ENT Specialists based on the condition of each case. I am in constant touch with Union Minister to ensure sufficent upply of medicine, Minister said.

It is reported that two kids whose parents have recovered from Covid might have been infected from Kawasaki. Malnutrition and other social factors are among the causes for this. Government is closely tracking such cases, he said.