Gandhi Hospital chief rules out threat of COVID-19 fourth wave in India

HYDERABAD: Prof. Raja Rao, Superintendent of Gandhi hospital in Hyderabad, has asserted that there was no threat of a possible fourth wave of COVID-19 and advised people not to panic. In a briefing, he said that more cases of sub-variant Omicron XBB were being reported and asserted that eight COVID-19 positive cases were reported in Gandhi Hospital.

Stating that the COVID-19 cases were increasing in the countries like China, America and Korea, Prof. Raja Rao said that one would have to wait and see whether the virus could spread in India like in other countries. He claimed that the conditions in China were different from that of India and opined that there would be less impact on India.

However, the professor has advised the people to follow the instructions given in the earlier waves such as washing hands, wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and, those with cough and cold, isolating themselves. He also emphasised on taking the booster jab citing that the earlier doses were effective for 8 to 12 months. The professor further said that Gandhi Hospital took the credit for treating lakhs of people in the past and was ready to face any sort of eventuality even in future.

The Superintendent of Gandhi hospital said that as many as eight persons were being treated for COVID-19 in Gandhi Hospital and made clear that 30 ventilator beds were ready, which would be increased based on the rising number of cases. However, he said that there would be no admissions required in hospitals even in the event of the virus spreading.

"Genome-sequencing tests are also being done at Gandhi Hospital for all those who have tested positive for COVID, which will reveal the type of variant," he said and added that the Director of Public Health has issued a circular to the superintendents of all hospitals in the wake of the rapid spread of COVID-19 in various countries.

Raja Rao said that in view of the increasing number of cases, genome sequencing would help in knowing about new variants, if any, and the severity of their impact.