Ebola drill conducted at Thoothukudi Medical College Hospital

A drill on handling Ebola patients was conducted at Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital (TKGMCH) on Thursday.

The spread of Ebola virus has increased in African countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. The World Health Organisation has also issued global preparedness and surveillance guidelines applicable to all international member states.

Accordingly, Ebola preparedness measures have been strengthened across India. As Thoothukudi has a port having international movement of cargo and domestic airport transport services, preparedness measures similar in other districts with ports and airports have been initiated. Passengers, crew members and others arriving from African countries are being closely monitored at both VOC Port and Thoothukudi airport.

Currently, an eight-bedded isolation ward with necessary facilities have been set up at TKGMCH.

Deputy Director of Health Yazhini presided over the mock session organised at the hospital to handle Ebola patients and inspected the facilities of the Ebola ward at TKGMCH.

The training demonstrated procedures for safely handling Ebola patients, including the use of PPE suits, gloves and admitting them to a dedicated isolation ward.

TKGMCH Dean (in-charge) R. Padmanabhan, Resident Medical Officer Silas Jeyamani and other health officials were present.