Amid rising number of COVID19 deaths and spike in infection cases in Kashmir, the reports of some private hospitals/nursing homes conducting surgeries without screening patients for novel corona virus has raised serious concern.
A circular issued by Director Health Services Kashmir reads: “It has come to knowledge of undersigned that some private nursing homes/private hospitals are conducing elective surgeries/major surgeries of patients without screening them for COVID19 thus risking the life of patients as well as service providers and in violation of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare GOI/ICMR guidelines.”
“All private health institutions/nursing homes are hereby strictly notified to follow rules and regulations. A mandatory RT-PCR COVID19 test is required before admitting any patient for any surgery,” it reads.
“All social distancing norms which include mandatory wearing of masks an use of sanitizers should be followed in letter and spirit for visiting doctors, hospital staff, patients and attendants at all times. Anybody not following social distancing norms would be liable to fine up to Rs 10,000 by health authorities.
“Ensure that active screening of all persons visiting the hospitals is done daily by means of non contact infrared thermometers,” it reads.
The circular has come day after a 40-year old doctor died at SMHS after recovering from COVID19.
Srinagar has become an epicentre of COVID in Jammu and Kashmir as the district is leading in number of positive cases as well as number of fatalities due to the virus.