Black Fungus: Centre asks States to review their preparedness for prevention & control

In view of the rising cases of Mucormycosis known as Black Fungus, Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry has advised all the States and Union Territories to review their preparedness for prevention and control of this fungal disease.

Union Health Secretary has written a letter to Chief Secretaries and Administrators of all the States and Union Territories.

In the letter, it has been urged to undertake preventive measures in COVID hospitals and other healthcare facilities to contain the spread of Black Fungus disease.

Union Health Ministry has asked to establish the Hospital Infection Control Committee and designate an infection prevention and control nodal officer. It has also asked to prepare and implement the Infection Prevention Control Programme in the hospital and health facilities.

The Ministry has urged for adoption of standard precautions across the hospital and health facilities.

The Health Ministry has stressed on meticulous adherence to Infection Prevention and Control while managing immunocompromised patients such as COVID patients having co-morbidities.

It has also stressed to focus on transmission-based precautions to protect health care workers and ensure patient safety.

States and Union Territories have been assured that Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry will provide all necessary assistance to implement the National guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare Facilities.