COVID-19’s new variant, known as Omicron, has already spread to a number of countries throughout the world. Nepal has so far reported two cases of the Omicron variety, 12 days after it was originally reported by South Africa and four days after it was discovered in India.
On Monday, December 6, the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) verified two cases of Omicron variant. Omicron has already been recognized as a ‘Variant of Concern’ by the World Health Organization (WHO).
To stay safe from the variation, the Ministry of Health has asked the public to continue to follow all health and safety regulations and to participate in the government’s immunization campaign.
According to Dr. Santosh Dulal, research scientist and COVID-19 lab chief at Aanandaban Hospital, following public health guidelines is critical since the Omicron variation may spread quicker than other variants.
Dr. Sher Bahadur Pun, the chief of Teku Hospital’s clinical research unit, said that rather than being afraid of the new variation, we should be vigilant.
“We are currently in a ‘wait and see’ position as research is underway to establish the severity and transmissibility of Omicron,” he said. Following public health norms, according to Dr. Manisha Rawal, director of Teku Hospital, could help to avoid the spread of the new type.
While cases of the new strain have been reported in the United States, India, the United Kingdom, and other European nations, the government is considering what steps it can take to prevent the spread. The Kathmandu Valley’s COVID-19 hospitals have already raised their alert levels.
Armed Police Force Hospital
The hospital’s focal person, Dr. Prabin Nepal, stated that the facility was prepared to combat the new variation if it spread quickly.
“We’ve prepared a 200-bed isolation ward. In addition, if the number of patients of a new variety begins to rise, we will set aside 30 beds for the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) “Added he. Dr. Nepal stated that a 100-litre oxygen plant had been installed in the hospital, and that another 200-litre oxygen plant was being planned.
Civil Service Hospital
Civil Service Hospital is likewise prepared to combat the new version, according to Dr. Bidesh Bista, the hospital’s focal person. “, he explained “Our hospital has begun making plans for a probable third wave. As a result, we’re ready to take on the Omicron variety.”
COVID-19 patients were segregated into 50 High Dependency Units and 15 ICU beds, according to Dr. Bista. He added that an oxygen unit with a capacity of 200 litres had been placed at the hospital and that the COVID-19 ward would be operational within a week.
TU Teaching Hospital
The hospital’s information officer, Dr. Ram Bikram Adhikari, said the facility was well-equipped to handle 500 to 600 COVID-19 patients at once.
“The second wave taught us a great deal. As a result, we are already prepared to deal with the new version or the potential third wave “Dr. Adhikari added that the hospital has a total of 50 HDU beds available.
He went on to say that the hospital has erected an oxygen plant capable of producing 2,000 litres of oxygen per minute.
Bir Hospital
Bir Institution’s chief, Dr. Bhupendra Basnet, stated that the hospital had implemented a telemedicine service for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. “In case the virus spreads quickly, we’ve set up 209 beds for COVID-19 patients,” he said.
According to Dr. Basnet, the hospital is equipped with 100 ICUs and HDU beds, and there will be no more oxygen shortages. The hospital currently has an oxygen plant with a capacity of 250 litres.
Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital
According to director Dr. Rawal, the COVID-19-dedicated hospital has already issued an alert and provided training to health personnel and staffers about the new variety. She went on to say that the hospital’s immunization clinic reopened on Sunday.
Teku Hospital has 24 ICUs, a COVID-19 isolation unit, and an oxygen plant with a capacity of over 20,000 litres. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Population has stated that it is working to reduce the danger of Omicron in Nepal.
“Following the finding of Omicron in Nepal, we have been doing the monitoring, surveillance, and contact tracing more efficiently,” said Dr. Samir Kumar Adhikari, the ministry’s assistant spokesperson.
“We have made a negative RT-PCR test report mandatory to manage the flow of individuals into and out of the country via international flights and borders,” he said.
“Antigen testing are performed on entrants who have not received the full dose of COVID-19 vaccines and those who have signs of virus infection,” Dr. Adhikari stated, adding, “RT-PCR tests and gene sequencing of antigen positive samples are also done.”
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