Lok Sabha Question No. 3362 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2021-12-17
Subject: Deaths in AIIMS due to Drug Resistant Pathogen
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Ravneet Singh

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3362 TO BE ANSWERED ON 17 TH   DECEMBER 2021

## DEATHS IN AIIMS DUE TO DRUG RESISTANT PATHOGEN

## 3362. SHRI RAVNEET SINGH BITTU:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

- (a) whether it is a fact that recently a drug resistant pathogen caused deaths during treatment in AIIMS;
- (b) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;
- (c)  whether  it  is  a  fact  that  there  have  been  a  rapid  increase  in  the  species  of  fungi  in  the environment that are known to cause diseases with some of them being even resistant to drugs and if so, the details thereof;
- (d)  whether  the  Government  is  taking  any  measures  to    create    infrastructure    for    timely diagnosis  and management of these kind of dangerous fungal infections on priority basis; and (e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (e) There is no evidence suggestive of death directly linked to drug resistant pathogen. Reasons for death may be multifactorial depending upon underlying condition of the patients.

AIIMS, New Delhi has a well-established Mycology Laboratory that is equipped to diagnose fungal infections and perform antifungal susceptibility testing. As fungi causing infection are present  everywhere  in  the  environment,  they  may  cause  disease  in  immune  compromised individuals. The following remedial actions are taken by hospital authorities to prevent such occurrences:

- (i) Implementation  of  Hospital  Disinfection  &  Sterilization  Policy  and  Environment Disinfection Policy.
- (ii) Hospital Infection Control Committees that ensure adherence to guidelines.
- (iii) Regular  cleaning  and  disinfection  of  all  inanimate  surfaces  in  Intensive  Care  Unit (ICU),  Wards,  Operation  Theaters  with  disinfectants  viz.  sodium  hypochlorite/ hydrogen peroxide/alcohol (depending on the type of surface). In addition, common areas, walls, windows and stair case etc. are also cleaned periodically.
- (iv) Adequate airflow is maintained in critical areas like Operation Theatres and Intensive Care Units to help flush out fungi.
- (v) High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters are installed in all critical areas where immune compromised patients are admitted.
- (vi) All  infection  control  protocols  are  followed  like  periodic  maintenance  of  air conditioning ducts, walls, ceilings, water tanks, water filters etc. Further, anti-fungal paint is used in the hospital for prevention of fungal growth.
- (vii) Hand washing facilities are provided at all patient care areas. The patients are also advised to take regular bath and maintain general cleanliness.
- (viii) Frequent cleaning of wastes from the patient care areas is done regularly.
- (ix) Hospital  dress  and  linen  are  regularly  cleaned  in  order  to  avoid  fungal  carriage  in aprons and hospital scrubs.
- (x) The Hospital Infection Control Team conducts surface culture, air sample culture and water  sample  culture  from  various  areas  like  ICUs,  Operation  Theatres  etc.  for periodic monitoring of various sources of infections.
- (xi) The number of attendants/visitors for each patient is restricted.
- (xii) Training and awareness programs are also conducted for general cleanliness, waste segregation and hand hygiene etc.

*****