The number of mucormycosis cases has been on a rise in the state and across the country. As per the information shared by the officials, Maharashtra has reported a total of 2,245 mucomycosis (also known as black fungus) patients and keeping the spread in mind, the government has issued a global tender to procure Amphotericin B injections for the treatment of this infection. Reports released earlier confirmed that Maharashtra has the highest number of Mucormycosis cases across India.
The objective is to get about 60,000 vials of this injection, and the same is expected to be delivered directly to Maharashtra in the first week of June, informed State Health Minister Rajesh Tope.
राज्यात म्युकरमायकोसीसच्या रुग्णांची संख्या वाढत असून या आजारावरील उपचारासाठी आवश्यक असलेले ॲम्फोटेरेसीन बी इंजेक्शन उपलब्ध होण्यासाठी राज्य शासनाने जागतिक निविदा काढली
— Rajesh Tope (@rajeshtope11) May 25, 2021
Meanwhile, the ministry on Tuesday, May 25, 2021, reviewed the measures taken against COVID-19 and mucormycosis infection. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, post which Minister Tope shared the information while addressing the media.
Also Read: Maharashtra health dept along with district collectors to monitor supply of mucormycosis injection
He confirmed that the state currently has over 2,200 patients with mucormycosis and the Amphotericin-B injections used to treat is expensive. Moreover, the distribution of these injections is being controlled by the Central Government and is being distributed to the districts according to the number of patients. Hence, the state government has issued a global tender to make these injections widely available across Maharashtra.
As per the instructions given by the authorities, the updated information of the patients will be mentioned on the IDSP portal and this will be brought to the notice of the District Collectors. The state government has been taking measures to ensure the treatment is available and affordable for all the patients, and hence, the details about every patient will be recorded for official purposes.
Also Read: NMMC to start OPD for Mucormycosis disease at civic hospital in Vashi, Airoli, Nerul
Moreover, a decision was taken earlier to provide free treatment to mucormycosis patients under the Mahatma Jotiba Phule Janaarogya Yojana, the basis on which a total of 131 hospitals across the state have been notified. At present, out of the 2,200 patients, more than 1,000 are being treated under the scheme, said the Health Minister. Some patients with mucormycosis are being treated at private hospitals too, and they are not eligible for free treatment as per the government orders.
However, efforts are being taken to ensure that the rates fixed for the treatment of COVID-19 patients infected with fungal infection.
Besides the black fungus, the central government has also warned the states about the increasing cases of white fungus and yellow fungus. Doctors mention that white fungus is also risky for patients' life, especially those on oxygen support during COVID-19 treatment. It reportedly damages the skin and affects organs too
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