In view of the reported prevalence of NDM1 infection in hospitals here, Delhi Health Minister A.K. Walia on Friday convened a high-level meeting to discuss the issue.
At the meeting, it was reported that a very low prevalence of NDM1 infection exists as confirmed by tests conducted in the intensive care units of a number of hospitals including Ram Manohar Lohia, Sir Ganga Ram, Lady Hardinge and Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya. However, it was in the 0.04 per cent to 0.08 per cent range which was not considered alarming.
The State government has directed its hospitals to activate their infection control committees.
Global phenomenon
Stating that it was a worldwide phenomenon, it was pointed out that occurrence of such infection was found in most countries including those of South-East Asia and Eastern Europe.
However, no infection had been found in the water and sewage flow in Delhi.
Antibiotics use
Dr. Walia stressed the need for rational use of antibiotics and restricted use of third and fourth generation antibiotics. Also, it was pointed out that the Union Government had come out with a national policy on antibiotics.
The Indian Council of Medical Research has also permitted a large number of research studies to be conducted on the issue.
Friday’s meeting was attended by the Dean of Maulana Azad Medical College, Medical Superintendents of Lok Nayak Hospital and Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalaya, a team of experts from Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Additional Director of the National Institute of Communicable Diseases, and senior officials from Indian Council of Medical Research.
http://www.thehindu.com