New Delhi . AIIMS Delhi has issued a protocol for the treatment of suspected monkeypox patients. Although Safdarjung Hospital has been made a centre for the treatment of monkeypox in Delhi. But this protocol tells how the suspected patients coming to AIIMS will be treated.
Five beds have been earmarked in AIIMS’ AB-7 ward to isolate monkeypox cases. These beds will be allocated to patients on the recommendation of the chief medical officer of the emergency wing, who will then be treated by the Department of Medicine. The AB-7 ward will remain a temporary holding area for patients until they are shifted to the designated hospital—Safdarjung Hospital—for intensive care.
According to the protocol note issued by AIIMS, monkeypox is a viral zoonosis whose symptoms are similar to those previously seen in smallpox patients, although clinically it is less severe. The World Health Organization has declared the monkeypox outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, due to which there is a need to raise awareness, rapid identification and strict infection control measures to prevent further spread. After the World Health Organization declared ‘Monkeypox’ (Mpox) disease a public health emergency, state governments and hospitals in India have also come on alert mode regarding it. Although no case of this disease has been reported in India at present, strict precautions are being taken here too after a patient was found in Pakistan.