Apprehensive docs busy putting in ‘foolproof’ measures before re-opening clinics
LUCKNOW:While the state health department has ordered opening of Outpatient Department (OPDs) in private sector, the doctors are apprehensive on what action will be taken against clinics if a patient who visits them tests positive for Covid-19.
Doctors are taking all initiatives to ensure safety from infection before they start attending patients.
“The government had stated only portion of hospitals will be closed if a patient tests positive but what will happen to a clinic is not clear.
Hence we have to ensure highest precaution,” said Dr PK Gupta, former president, Indian Medical Association, Lucknow.
Various measures doctors are taking before re-opening of clinics include setting up a glass pane to divide the reception area for patients.
Also, arrangements are being done to accept documents like test/ultrasound reports through WhatsApp and not physically. Digital payment options will be put in place to accept the fees, said a doctor. “We have to ensure two-way safety. One, patients do not spread infection to our staff and second if anyone in the clinic carries the infection it is not passed on to the patients. And going paperless is one way to reduce contact between medical staff and patients,” said Dr Sandeep Kapoor, director, Healthcity hospital. Mask, face shield, gloves and disposable kits in the examination room will be used mandatorily.
“Also sanitization of the place (chair) where a patient sat while meeting doctor has been planned along with a 10-minute gap between two patients with an exhaust fan running will be ensured so that the air inside the consultancy room is circulated out. All this to make sure even if a case tests positive there is no chance of cross-infection,” said Dr Priyanka Singh, gynaecologist, who runs clinic near PGI.
“Opening of the OPD is necessary as patients have been waiting for long. The need is also to ensure no cross infection takes place,” said Dr Abhishek Shukla, secretary general, association of international doctors
Medical institutes such as Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences and King George’s Medical University, governed by medical education department are running emergency OPD since over a month.