Telangana's paradox: Cases to dip in 2 months

HYDERABAD: Even as states across the country are gearing up for a massive surge in Covid-19 cases over the next two months, epidemiological studies by the health department have predicted a decline in Covid cases by September-end.
State health authorities on Saturday said that although Covid-19 cases were on the rise currently, they expect cases to fall drastically by September."Covid-19 cases in Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have hit a peak. The number of cases in GHMC area is declining and will decline to minimal numbers by August-end. The cases which are increasing in districts like Rangareddy, Medchal among others, will decline by September-end," director public health Dr G Srinivasa Rao.
When asked about expert predictions over the virus cases showing an upward trend in the country over the next two months, he said the increase would vary from state to state. "The estimates are based on our own epidemiological studies," he added.
Meanwhile, requests for plasma from Covid-19 recovered patients have increased over the last few months. "Majority of requests are from private hospitals. Convalescent plasma therapy will be useful for moderate to severe Covid-19 cases, but not for critically ill patients. However, mildly symptomatic patients, who recover, do not develop antibodies and hence cannot donate," director medical education Dr K Ramesh Reddy. He, however, added a word of caution against use of remidesivir for asymptomatic patients and mild cases of Covid-19, advising against the use as these have side-effects.
In a related development, health authorities have so far received 1,039 complaints against private hospitals in Telangana. "These include 136 complaints related to inappropriate billing or excess charges. Teams of 4-5 people are working on the complaints. Action will be taken against those who violate government guidelines,"Dr G Srinivasa Rao said. Meanwhile, 18,000 beds in government hospitals would be provided with oxygen (oxygen is crucial part of Covid-19 treatment) lines.