Vijayapura: The State Government will bear the entire cost of treatment of patients afflicted with black fungus till their recovery, announced Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.

Talking to reporters here yesterday, he said the cases of black fungus (Mucormycosis, commonly called black fungus), were on decline. The Government was aware of the fact that those patients were struggling to meet the medical expenses as each dose of injection will cost Rs.10,000  to Rs.12,000. 

They need to take this injection even after their discharge from hospital. To reduce this burden on families, the Government has decided to bear treatment expenses till patients recover completely, he added.

The CM said according to statistics provided by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, a total of 3,836 Mucormycosis cases are reported in the State of which the maximum of 1,207 cases are from Bengaluru City, 342 in Dharwad, 228 in Vijayapura and 213 in Kalaburagi. However, the mortality rate has been very low, he added.

According to doctors, two types of doses are used for the treatment of fungal infection, one is Liposomal Amphotericin B, which costs Rs. 8,000 per vial and has no side effects and another is Lyophilised Amphotericin B, which costs Rs. 400 per vial and affects kidney functioning. An infected patient needs anywhere between 60 to 70 vials during the treatment.

Third wave: Speaking of the possible Covid-19 third wave affecting children, Bommai said, “As per recommendations made by experts on the third wave, camps for children to monitor their health will be set up.”

“The Women and Child Welfare Department will provide malnourished children with food kits. Children who are sick will be shifted to district hospitals,” he said and added that the Government has directed district hospitals to prepare ICUs for children.

No comments on caste census report 

Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai refused to comment on caste census report since  the matter is pending before the Court.

“The report is being studied by Backward Classes Commission. The Court is seized of the matter and still there is time for its settlement. Anyone including Opposition parties is free to meet the PM in this regard”, Bommai said while talking to reporters here yesterday.