Isolation ward for Ebola started in NCH

Surat: The New Civil Hospital (NCH) in Surat has activated a 10-bed special isolation ward as part of precautionary preparedness measures following reports of Ebola virus cases in African countries including Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.

Hospital authorities clarified that no Ebola case has been reported in Gujarat or anywhere in India. However, in line with guidelines and standard operating procedures issued by the Union Health Ministry and the Gujarat government, the hospital administration has stepped up preparedness to handle any emergency situation.

Sharing details, NCH medical superintendent Dr Parul Vadgama said the ward is equipped with ventilators, patient monitors, a nursing station and essential medicines required for treatment and observation.

To minimise any risk of infection spread, the hospital has also made arrangements for a dedicated lift for suspected patients, a separate outpatient department, separate data entry facilities, and isolated entry and exit routes.

Dr Vadgama said the preparedness plan has been developed under the guidance of the Gujarat government and is purely preventive in nature.

Dr Ashwin Vasava from the Medicine Department has been appointed nodal officer for Ebola preparedness. Resident Medical Officer Dr Ketan Nayak, along with a team including Nursing Council representative Iqbal Kadiwala, is assisting in implementing the arrangements.

Hospital authorities said around 75 doctors from the departments of medicine, microbiology and anaesthesia have already undergone specialised training for Ebola response. Training sessions for nursing staff and other hospital workers will be conducted in the coming days.

Officials urged citizens not to panic, emphasising that the measures are precautionary and aimed at ensuring public safety.

Ebola is a severe viral disease first identified in 1976 near the Ebola River in Africa. It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids.