No surgery for 15 days in Punjab govt hospitals

CHANDIGARH:AMID a spate of Covid-19 cases in the state in the past few days, the Punjab health department has ordered all civil surgeons to postpone all surgeries, except medical emergency cases, for the next 15 days.

The decision was taken amid reports that specialist doctors were performing all sorts of surgeries that can be avoided for a few days.

CHANDIGARH:AMID a spate of Covid-19 cases in the state in the past few days, the Punjab health department has ordered all civil surgeons to postpone all surgeries, except medical emergency cases, for the next 15 days.

The decision was taken amid reports that specialist doctors were performing all sorts of surgeries that can be avoided for a few days and were citing it as a reason not to join Covid-19 related duties.

“The increase in the number of cases will require services of more healthcare staff. Keeping this in view, you are hereby requested to postpone the elective surgeries in all government healthcare facilities so that the staff is available for Covid-19 duties,” read a letter sent to all civil surgeons .

Elective surgery is a procedure scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency. The order says it must be ensured that emergency and trauma services are provided without interruption.

“All the staff that would assist these doctors in elective surgeries have also been asked to be put on Covid-related duties immediately,” an official said. Also, the health department has issued orders to rural pharmacy officers to perform Covid-19 duties or face action. “All rural pharmacy officers have been asked to work under the civil surgeons to perform Covid duties. But civil surgeons have brought to my notice that some officers are still not reporting to them,” read a letter by additional chief secretary (health and family welfare).htc