Cold, fever patients too throng hosps
LUCKNOW: Patients with cold and fever are reaching OPDs of hospitals in droves and contacting doctors for screening for coronavirus. Doctors, however, say not all patients of cold, fever and cough need coronavirus screening.
“Screening for coronavirus is required in cases where the person is suffering from illness and has a travel history, particularly to a foreign country, or anyone they came in contact who had a travel history. Not those who are ill without a travel history,” said Dr Ved Prakash, HoD pulmonary and critical care medicine at the King George’s Medical University.
But patients are nevertheless thronging the OPDs along with their family members and seeking medical assistance, so much so that doctors have their hands full at Lok Bandhu, Balrampur and Lohia hospitals.
“People called me over the phone to ask whether their illness match coronavirus symptoms. They also inquired about the screening facilities,” said Dr Vinod Jain, senior faculty of KGMU who had his OPD during the day.
Since morning those coming with respiratory distress and fever were attended quickly by doctors. “Removing their doubts is an important work so that none get panicky. Those insisting upon screening tests are being told when they should get screening test done and not to hurry,” said Dr Jain.
Senior administrative officials inspected isolation wards and other arrangements at Balrampur and Lok Bandhu hospitals during the day. At the Lohia institute, the inspection was carried out a day before. Ventilator support has been put in place at Lohia institute isolation ward for patients who may need life support.