Mumbai Prepares for Monkeypox: 14-Bed Ward Set Up at Seven Hills Hospital
Mumbai’s Seven Hills Hospital has reserved a 14-bed ward as a precautionary measure against monkeypox. Although there are no current cases in Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is taking steps to prepare.
Precautionary Measures
The BMC, following government directives, has coordinated with the Health Information Room at the International Airport. This is in response to monkeypox cases reported in Pakistan and Sweden. Given the number of international visitors to Mumbai, extra precautions are being taken.
Hospital Preparations
Dr. Pradnya Pawar, Assistant Medical Superintendent, stated, “We have set up 14 isolation beds and an ICU for severe monkeypox cases. Although India has not seen any cases yet, we are prepared for potential cases with symptoms like rashes, fever, cough, and sore throat.”
Calls for Proactive Measures
Former Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan has called for testing and quarantine facilities at Mumbai Airport. In a letter to Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, he emphasized the need for immediate action to prevent the spread of monkeypox, similar to measures that were lacking during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Global Context
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared monkeypox a public health emergency of international concern. This follows a surge in cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its detection in neighboring countries. Pakistan and Sweden have also reported their first cases of monkeypox.
Doubts Revealed
Monkeypox -: Monkeypox is a disease caused by a virus. It can make people feel very sick with symptoms like fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes.
Seven Hills Hospital -: Seven Hills Hospital is a big hospital in Mumbai, a city in India. It is known for treating many different kinds of illnesses.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) -: The BMC is the local government body in Mumbai. It takes care of things like roads, schools, and hospitals in the city.
ICU -: ICU stands for Intensive Care Unit. It is a special part of the hospital where very sick patients get extra care and attention.
Prithviraj Chavan -: Prithviraj Chavan is a politician in India. He used to be the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, the state where Mumbai is located.
WHO -: WHO stands for World Health Organization. It is a group that works with countries all over the world to keep people healthy and stop the spread of diseases.
Public health emergency -: A public health emergency is when a disease is spreading quickly and making many people sick. It means that extra steps need to be taken to keep people safe.
Democratic Republic of Congo -: The Democratic Republic of Congo is a country in Africa. It is one of the places where monkeypox has been spreading.
