Special ICU ward set up in Jammu amid HMPV concerns

Responding to the concerns triggered by the detection of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) cases in the country, the Jammu and Kashmir health department has set up a specialised ICU ward in Jammu to address any potential outbreak of the disease.

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“We have prepared a special ICU ward to handle any eventuality. God forbid if a pandemic occurs, we are ready,” said Dr Hamid Zargar, medical superintendent of Gandhinagar government hospital.

“The centrally-heated ward has eight beds supported by ventilators and 24x7 oxygen supply,” he added.

Doctors have assured the public that there is no need to panic, emphasising that HMPV is not a new pathogen and it is not causing a widespread outbreak. “It is a mild upper respiratory disease. Six cases have been detected so far (in the country), but there is no need to panic,” Zargar said.

To enhance readiness, the administration has convened meetings to review the situation and ensure that adequate facilities are in place. “Our oxygen plant with a capacity of 22,000 LPM is fully functional,” Zargar said.

“In addition to the special ward, our hospital has 100 oxygen-supported beds, along with sufficient concentrators and various types of cylinders,” he added.