The MGM Medical College Hospital administration has set up a ward for the treatment of mucormycosis or black fungus cases, gradually rising in the East Singhbhum district.

Though no cases have come to the MGM Medical College Hospital, the authority has set up a 10-bed ward at the hospital.

Nodal officer of MGM Medical College Hospital, Nakul Prashad Chaudhury, said the ward has been set up at the ophthalmology department.

"We had a 30-bed ward in the ophthalmology department. Presently, no surgery is being carried out. Keeping the requirements of growing mucormycosis in the district in view, we have set up a separate 10-bed ward for this fatal disease, "said Chaudhury to The Telegraph Online.

The nodal officer who is also deputy superintendent of the hospital said that the hospital has adequate stock of Emphoterecin - B, the drug required for the treatment of the black fungus.

"Moreover, the state government has plenty of Emphoterecin -B stocks beside other drugs required for the treatment of Covid. We get the supply of these drugs from Ranchi at very short notice," he said.

Chaudhury said the hospital will primarily cater to people hailing from rural areas who cannot afford treatment at private facilities.

Black fungus is detected in patients during post-Covid treatment. Those who have uncontrolled diabetes among other grievous ailments, and administered excessive steroids during the treatment are prone to mucormycosis.

At the Tata Main Hospital, three persons suffering from the mucormycosis have died so far. Presently, four patients suffering from black fungus are undergoing treatment at the Tata Main Hospital.