Screen, test all patients for Covid-19, demand PGIMER doctors

Issue raised after a six-month-old baby admitted to the institute tested positive for the coronavirus disease, following which 54 health workers were quarantined and tested negative

The faculty members at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) have demanded that all patients visiting the tertiary care institute be tested to rule out the possibility of coronavirus infection spread.

Doctors say patients should also get tested in their local designated state and medical college lab in order to avoid delays at the PGIMER. (HT File Photo)

The faculty association raised the issue after a six-month-old baby admitted to the institute with a cardiac problem tested positive for the coronavirus disease in a pre-operative test, following which 54 health workers were quarantined and tested negative.

The association has highlighted that the infection among healthcare workers ranges between 10-20% all over the world and has been reported from medical Institutes in India as well. “PGIMER should take only referred patients at least from district/state hospitals and there should be no direct registration. The issue may be taken up with chief secretaries of adjoining states,” a press release from the association said.

“Patients should also get tested in their local designated state and medical college lab in order to avoid delays at the PGIMER,” said Dr JS Thakur, president of the association.

PGIMER director Dr Jagat Ram said the demand was under active consideration of the administration and a decision in this regard was expected shortly. “We will not go with haphazard testing, but also feel that all incoming patients should be screened and tested for Covid-19,” Ram said.

OTHER ISSUES FLAGGED

Thakur said the PGIMER administration was putting efforts for provision of mask and personal protection equipment as per the institute guidelines, but there were still issues related to equitable distribution which needed to be addressed.

“The protocol which the institute has, has been refined four times, but we need to ensure that what is on paper is being followed on the ground too,” Thakur said.

General secretary of the association, Dr Arun Bansal, said, “The main focus of the administration is the screening of Covid-19 and the Nehru Extension Block where the patients concerned are. However, doctors from other areas, where some surgery or procedure are to be conducted, should be provided better safety gear.”