Gurugram: PHCs to set up Zinc & ORS corner to check diarrhoea in kids

GURUGRAM: The health department has decided to set up 24x7 ‘Zinc and ORS corner’ for diarrhoea cases in 38 public health centres (PHC) across the city from July 1. With change in weather conditions, there is a rise in viral diarrhoea cases among children, doctors said.
Every day more than 15 such cases are being witnessed at the Civil Hospital. This is caused by rotavirus that spreads easily among infants and children. The virus can cause severe diarrhoea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. In the zinc corner, patients will be given oral rehydration therapy and zinc medicines, officials said.
“In view of the Covid-19 pandemic, a meta-analysis indicates that 22.8% children infected with Covid face gastrointestinal symptoms — diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal pain, hence an intensive approach is being initiated to handle such cases,” said Dr Virender Yadav, chief medical officer of Gurugram .
He also added that, “ORS and Zinc corners are usually meant for childhood diarrhoea who need to be administered ORS, under supervision, every four hours. Dehydration cases will be treated in these corners. When there are no diarrhoea cases using the ORS and Zinc corner, the area can be used for treating other problems.”
An official said, “A small corner in the OPD or ward or any other suitable area in the health facility is enough for this purpose. A health worker, who is trained in preparation of ORS solution and Zinc solution, will be posted to manage the corner. Each patient should be provided with at least one ORS packet and 13 tablets of Zinc to take home.”