COVID TEST NOT NEEDED FOR OPD AT SELECT UP GOVT HOSPS
SGPGI to join the list on March 1
LUCKNOW : From March 1 onwards, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) would join the list of government-run medical institutes and hospitals where Covid test is no longer mandatory for patients reporting to the outpatient department (OPD). King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) and Balrampur Hospital have already done away with the requirement, officials said.
LUCKNOW : From March 1 onwards, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (SGPGIMS) would join the list of government-run medical institutes and hospitals where Covid test is no longer mandatory for patients reporting to the outpatient department (OPD).
The decision to scrap mandatory Covid test for OPD patients was taken after the successful Covid vaccination of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff since January 16.
King George’s Medical University (KGMU), Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences (RMLIMS) and Balrampur
Hospital have already done away with the requirement, officials said.
“Now, the patients coming to see doctors at OPD of PGI would not be required to undergo corona test. But they will have to follow all (other) Covid protocols to save others from infection,” said SGPGIMS director Prof Radha Krishna Dhiman.
“The doctors, nurses and paramedical staff are already vaccinated, but this doesn’t mean we should let our guard down. However, during admission, every patient will have to undergo a corona test along with his attendant. This is (being) done to save other patients from getting infected,” he said.
Registration would now be done at the outpatient departmentcounters and the patients would get access to various services, including test reports, there.
Special squad to fine Covid protocol violators
The SGPGI director said, “I have constituted a special squad, which will move around and fine those violating the Covid protocol. Anyone not wearing a mask will have to pay a fine of Rs 500.”
Other institutes
Prof AK Singh, director of RMLIMS, said, “There is no need to get Covid test done to see a doctor in OPD. For the procedure of admission, it can be done.” “We were the first to remove the rider of a Covid test in the OPD,” he added.
Balrampur Hospital director Dr Rajeev Lochan said, “We have made a separate ward for those in need of emergency procedure or admission, where patients can stay till the report comes. For the OPD, there is no need for a Covid test.”
Dr Sudhir Singh, spokesperson for KGMU, said, “No Covid test is required at OPD. However, if a patient has a clear symptom of infection, the doctor may recommend a Covid test after initial examination along with a prescription for the problem for which they came to see the doctor (in the first place).”
At Civil Hospital also, Covid test is not required for consulting a doctor in-person at OPD.