Cases of black fungus increasing in the state; No medicines available for patients in Kozhikode 

KOZHIKODE: The black fungus cases being reported in the state are increasing on a daily basis. As of now, 44 patients have sought treatment. Among them, 20 are undergoing treatment in Kozhikode medical college. But sources say, some of them hail from Malappuram, Wayanad and Kasargod districts. The hospital has started a special ward itself to treat black fungus patients. On Monday alone, five cases of black fungus were reported in Kozhikode medical college. One of them was tested positive for the disease from the covid ward.

As of now, separate wards are available for the patients of covid and black fungus in the hospital but the state is facing a severe shortage of medicines needed for the treatment of black fungus. As the number of cases has increased, hospital authorities have also said that there is not enough stock of medicines in the hospital.

Currently, patients could be lodged in the ENT ward as there is no rush of patients. But the hospital authorities have also added that if the number of cases increases then a special help desk needs to be put in place.

With the rapid increase in black fungus cases, the centre has also withdrawn support. Six vials of medicine are needed for black fungus affected liver patients. As these medicines are not available in medical shops, authorities have decided to bring the medicine from outside. Liposomal amphotericin—a medicine that is commonly used for black fungus treatment has run out of stock in medical college. Kozhikode natives from Tuticorin and Kasargod natives from New Delhi are currently lodged here for treatment.