Mumbai: Confident about tackling Covid mutations, say civic, pvt doctors

The Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to mutate. Recently, three new sub-variants of Omicron were detected in the state. State and civic health officials have stated that it is possible that COVID cases could rise. However, BMC and private hospitals are confident about handling any such situation with their experience and treatment protocol.

The daily COVID-19 patient count in Mumbai is gradually increasing. According to the civic body, 1,410 COVID cases were reported in Mumbai from October 11 to October 20.

On an average, 120 cases were reported each day from October 1 to 10.

The state, meanwhile, has reported 18 cases of the XBB sub-variant and one case each of BQ.1 and BA.2.3.20.

Also Read: Mumbai reports 161 Covid-19 cases, no deaths

Dr Soumya Swaminathan, chief scientist of the World Health Organisation (WHO), warned that some countries may see "another wave of infections" triggered by the XBB sub-variant.

State and BMC health officials have also issued an advisory, asking citizens to follow COVID protocol during the festive season.

As all jumbo COVID centres have been dismantled and only SevenHills and Kasturba hospitals are currently treating patients for COVID, the question arises, if cases increase, then what?

Dr Sanjeev Kumar, additional municipal commissioner, told mid-day, "We already have Kasturba and SevenHills hospital, which have a high capacity for admissions. We have other health facilities to accommodate patients. We are experienced in tackling COVID. We have the infrastructure and expertise to handle the situation. There is no need to panic."

More than 4,000 beds are reserved for COVID patients in civic hospitals and the number can be increased if needed.

Meanwhile, private hospitals have also said that they are prepared for emergencies.

Dr Gautam Bhansali, chief coordinator between the civic body and the private hospitals, said, "Across Mumbai, we have around 800 beds for COVID patients in private hospitals and if admission figures go up, we can increase their strength within a day and go up to 8,000 beds. The hospitals and doctors are experienced."

He added that, as per reports, the new sub-variants are transmitted faster than their predecessors but are milder.

Dr Sujit Chatterjee, CEO, L H Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, said, "The past two and a half years, especially the second wave, have taught us to handle any emergency or spike in COVID cases. When the second wave of COVID was emerging, the hospital was under severe pressure to increase its number of beds. Our hospital has a reputation for handling COVID cases well. We are always well prepared in terms of both skilled staff and infrastructure. Right now, all beds are oxygenated. To ramp up our bed strength by 100 will take just 24 hours."

State surveillance officer Dr Pradeep Awte said, "Out of 21 patients that contracted the three new sub-variants only one required hospital admission while the rest of them recovered at home. I don't think there will be a huge rise, but we can't be irresponsible and need to follow COVID-appropriate behaviour to avoid a surge."

Dr Trupti Gilada, infectious disease specialist, at Masina Hospital, Byculla, said, "The BQ.1 variant has the potential to become the predominant strain due to its high doubling time." She added, "Studies have suggested that the BQ.1 variant can dodge existing immunity from vaccination and previous infection from earlier strains. While ongoing mutations are expected, many of which will make the virus more transmissible, our yardstick will now be hospitalisation and death rate. Also, it is time to get the vaccine modified to cover newer strains."

800
Number of beds reserved for COVID patients in private hospitals