Centre asks state governments to tackle black fungus on a war footing

States have been asked to prepare and implement the infection prevention control programme in hospitals in accordance with the National Guidelines for Infection and Control in Healthcare Facilities

The Centre has advised states to review their preparedness for infection prevention and control, as well as hygiene and sanitation in hospitals. This is in light of the increasing number of black fungus or mucormycosis cases.

Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan, in his letter to chief secretaries and administrators of all states, asked them to establish or activate the hospital infection control committee chaired by head of the institution or an administrator. Also, he asked them to designate an infection prevention and control nodal officer, preferably a microbiologist or a senior infection control nurse.

States have also been asked to prepare and