Telangana keeping resources ready to battle Omicron spike

HYDERABAD: Even as the number of Omicron variant cases in the state is rising, the administration is quietly preparing for the next Covid-19 wave, including preparing doctors on usage of oxygen and maintaining oxygen audits.
At a high-level meet recently, authorities said measures such as keeping the doctor on oxygen treatment stewardship were being initiated to prepare them for any eventuality as a single day’s highest peak caseload could touch 20,000 (during Delta variant outbreak, it was 10,000 cases).

During the second wave, the state received approximately 10 oxygen tankers from the Centre, while a private company provided another eight oxygen tankers to the state. However, after the second wave receded, the tankers were returned. Officials are now considering taking them back for the next wave of preparation.
At the moment, officials believe there is no cause for concern for children because there has been no increase in cases among children anywhere in the globe.
“As part of preparation, oxygen treatment and supply are given highest priority in all districts. Doctors are trained in the administration and use of oxygen. Three doctors will be trained in each district on the best use of oxygen, reducing waste and maintaining hospital oxygen audits. They are on oxygen stewardship,” officials said.
The authorities said all outstanding bills for medicine and other health-related supplies in hospitals should be cleared in order to avoid any disruption in oxygen supplies during a possible spike in Omicron cases.
Officials also intend to conduct a reality check on beds and other facilities in hospitals. “Stringent checks will be conducted on the numbers depicted and the actual availability of beds in hospitals,” an official said.
A group of officials is constantly monitoring the global trend of Omicron and taking into account Indian Council of Medical Research and World Health Organisation guidelines on a regular basis.
Furthermore, district medical health officers and collectors were given the authority to declare district hospitals for Covid- 19 treatment if the number of cases increase by more than 10 per cent.