Labs, private hospitals told to conduct Covid-19 testing per govt. protocols if prescribed by doctors
On the back of a slight surge in Covid-19 RTPCR-positive cases reported across the city, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) on Wednesday issued orders to all private hospitals and laboratories to strictly adhere to the central government's guidelines on Covid-19 testing.
The PMC health department issued a letter raising concerns over an alleged rise in unnecessary Covid screening carried out by private doctors and labs in the city. According to civic officials, this unjustified testing is leading to panic among the public besides adding to treatment costs.
'RTPCR tests are being conducted without doctors' prescriptions, which violates testing protocols issued by the state health department. As per current government guidelines, RTPCR testing is mandatory only for all SARI (Severe Acute Respiratory Infection) and 5% ILI (Influenza-like Illness) cases. Healthcare providers advise testing only after a proper medical assessment and in accordance with the protocols,' read the letter issued by the PMC, a copy of which has been seen by Hindustan Times.
Dr Nina Borade, PMC health chief said, 'We have attached the official government advisory with the letter and asked all private hospitals and laboratories to strictly implement instructions to ensure targeted and appropriate Covid-19 testing, avoid unnecessary panic, and make efficient use of healthcare resources.'
Dr Borade informed that a meeting was held with private laboratories on Tuesday during which the latter were told to strictly follow government guidelines during testing. 'The labs have been asked to carry out testing only as per government protocols and if prescribed by doctors,' she said.
Civic officials said that during the review meeting, it was found that Covid RTPCR tests are being carried out in many cases even when it is not necessary as per government protocols like those with mild symptoms such as cold, cough and fever; those returning from travel; employees resuming duty after extended leave; preoperative patients; and those requesting testing without valid medical advice.
Meanwhile, genome sequencing reports from B J Medical College have confirmed the presence of the XFG variant in the city. Health officials clarified that this new variant appears to be mild in nature however they emphasised the need to closely monitor patients with comorbidities and those showing SARI symptoms.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- New Indian Express
What to know about the COVID variant that may cause 'razor blade' sore throats
The COVID-19 variant that may be driving a recent rise in cases in some parts of the world has earned a new nickname: 'razor blade throat' COVID. That's because the variant — NB.1.8.1. or 'Nimbus' — may cause painful sore throats. The symptom has been identified by doctors in the United Kingdom, India and elsewhere, according to media outlets in those countries. Other COVID-19 symptoms of any variant include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath or loss of taste or smell. Experts say there isn't major cause for concern with the Nimbus variant, but here 's what else you need to know about it. Here's where the variant causing 'razor blade throat' is spreading The rise in cases late last month is primarily in eastern Mediterranean, Southeast Asia and western Pacific regions, the World Health Organization said May 28. The new variant had reached nearly 11% of sequenced samples reported globally in mid-May. Airport screening in the United States detected the new variant in travelers arriving from those regions to destinations in California, Washington state, Virginia and New York. You aren't likely to get sicker from this variant than others Not so far, anyway. The WHO said some western Pacific countries have reported increases in COVID cases and hospitalizations, but there's nothing so far to suggest that the disease associated with the new variant is more severe compared to other variants. COVID-19 vaccines are effective against the Nimbus variant Yes. The WHO has designated Nimbus as a 'variant under monitoring' and considers the public health risk low at the global level. Current vaccines are expected to remain effective. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced last month that COVID-19 shots are no longer recommended for healthy children and pregnant women — a move immediately questioned by public health experts.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
NIV Pune isolating 4 Omicron sub-variants responsible for recent rise in Covid cases: Director
Pune: The National Institute of Virology (NIV) Wednesday said it is genome sequencing and isolating four new sub-variants of Omicron which are believed to be responsible for the recent rise in Covid cases across India. This effort will help in assessing vaccine effectiveness , Dr Naveen Kumar, director of Pune-based NIV under the ICMR, said. An upsurge of Covid cases was noticed since the second week of April. Kumar said that after genome sequencing of samples across India, four sub- variants of Omicron -- LF.7, XFG, JN.1. 16 and NB. 1.8.1 -- have been found. Genomic analysis revealed that the surge was due to JN.1.16 sub lineage of Omicron variant and since May, it was replaced by the XFG (LF.7 and LP.81.2) recombinant variant. Whole genome sequences have been submitted to Indian Biological Data Centre and Global Initiative On Sharing All Influenza Data, Kumar said. "Scientists at NIV are doing monitoring, genome sequencing and isolating the new variants. The strain, which was circulating in Singapore, was also found in India five-six weeks ago. "Isolation is important to replace the existing vaccine strain if at all it is required. Whether or not this needs to be replaced is something which is to be critically analysed based on the severity of the disease. So far it appears that the strains are not much severe. However, the decision of making a new vaccine using the currently circulating strains is taken by policy makers after extensive discussion," Kumar said. Currently, two monovalent Omicron-based vaccines are available - Biological E Limited's Corbivax and Serum Institute of India's COVOVAX. The situation is being continuously monitored by the health ministry. Meanwhile, the active Covid caseload in the country has marginally dropped. As of June 18, there are 6,483 active cases as compared to 6,837 cases on Tuesday. Official sources have maintained that severity of infections has been low and most of the patients are being managed under home care. Since January 1, 113 deaths have been reported, primarily among individuals with pre-existing illnesses. Kerala continues to be the most-affected state, followed by Gujarat, Karnataka and Delhi, according to the health ministry's data released on Sunday. Meanwhile, all states have been instructed to ensure availability of oxygen, isolation beds, ventilators, and essential medicines to deal with Covid cases, official sources said on Wednesday.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
Sex reassignment surgeries resume at Mumbai's St George's Hospital
MUMBAI: After a long Covid-induced pause, Mumbai's St George Hospital has resumed free sex reassignment surgeries, offering renewed hope to individuals seeking gender-affirming care. In the last six months alone, three patients have benefited, and more are now enrolling for the procedure. 'This isn't just about surgery. It's about restoring dignity, giving people the right to live as who they are,' said Dr Sagar Gundewar, head of the plastic surgery department, who revived the service post-pandemic. The department had remained non-functional during Covid-19 but is now actively treating patients from across Maharashtra. The push for such services gained public momentum after the 2018 case of Lalita Salve, a police constable from Beed district, who received official permission for gender reassignment. Since then, awareness around gender-affirming care has grown, but access has remained largely unaffordable. Private hospitals charge anywhere between ₹15,00,000 and ₹20,00,000 for such procedures. At St George, however, they are provided free of cost. 'We've seen a surge in demand. The need is real, and we're proud to meet it,' said JJ Hospital dean Dr Ajay Bhandarwar. Among those who have recently undergone surgery is Rakesh (name changed), who began identifying as a woman at the age of 16. 'I used to cry seeing myself in the mirror. I didn't feel like myself,' she said. After completing all psychological and hormonal evaluations in November 2024, she underwent surgery at St George. 'Now, I feel complete. I can live as who I truly am,' said Rakesh, who now works in the private sector in Mumbai. Another patient, Shreya (name changed), a 40-year-old woman from Nanded, was born with underdeveloped reproductive organs due to hormonal imbalances. Though married, she struggled with physical intimacy. Doctors at St George successfully developed the missing organs. 'I never thought I'd live a normal married life. This changed everything,' she said. The third case is Anamika (name changed) from Solapur, who has identified as male since childhood. 'I've dressed and lived like a boy since I was nine,' she said. Despite family opposition, she proceeded with gender reassignment. Her breasts and uterus have now been removed, and she is preparing for the final phase—construction of male genitalia. 'It's not easy. But this is who I am. I've waited all my life for this,' she said. Explaining the medical framework behind the surgeries, Dr Gundewar said, 'We begin with a psychiatric evaluation. Once cleared, patients undergo hormone therapy—estrogen for male-to-female, testosterone for female-to-male transitions. After at least four months, they become eligible for surgery.' He added, 'In recent years, there has been a two-thirds increase in the number of people assigned male at birth transitioning to female, compared to a one-third increase in female-to-male transitions.' The procedures are performed in multiple stages. 'We remove the original sex organs, then reconstruct new ones. Facial, voice, and structural changes follow if required,' he said. Female-to-male transitions are especially complex, taking up to 16 hours of surgical time in total. The science behind these transitions often stems from intersex conditions or gender dysphoria. While most males are born with XY chromosomes and females with XX ones, hormonal imbalances during foetal development can result in a mismatch between one's biological sex and gender identity. Dr Vinayak Sawardekar, medical superintendent, credited institutional support with reviving the service. 'This facility was dormant for years. Today, we are giving people new lives,' he said.
