BENGALURU, 23 AUG 

Health Department will set up 50 isolation beds in the H Block of Victoria Hospital if Bengaluru reports Mpox (Monkeypox) cases. Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory at the hospital will also conduct free testing for Mpox cases, Medical Education Minister Sharan Prakash Patil said after chairing a meeting at Vikasa Soudha on Friday to evaluate the precautions for Mpox.

Patil said, “We are also preparing personal protective equipment (PPE) kits to manage any potential cases.” 

Although no Mpox cases have been detected in India, Patil said hospitals affiliated with Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute are on high alert. Similar arrangements will be extended to other hospitals across the State as needed, the minister said.

However, the State government had announced plans to set up two isolation beds at government hospitals and healthcare centres across the State. Mpox is a zoonotic viral disease originating from animals like rodents and primates. Earlier, this month World Health Organisation declared Mpox as a global health emergency. —Salar News