Shortage of PPE raises concerns among doctors in various hospitals
NEW DELHI: Shortage of Personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks have raised concern among medical Health workers, especially after seven doctors were found positive in Coronavirus testing.
A resident doctor at Safdarjung Hospital told the correspondent about the pressure the doctors are facing especially due to lack of equipments.
“There is a shortage of PPE supplies but other than that they released an order a few weeks ago that stated we're not allowed to be absent from our duties indefinitely,” said the resident doctor.
The doctor added that the decision is inhuman considering how doctors are working round the clock and added that the staff also has to travel from faraway places. “Doctors and staff who live afar are having a terrible time trying to get to work with just a few designated buses running their routes to the hospital,” they added.
The issue was also raised by nurses at Lok Nayak Hospitals who had said that they are having transportation issues. “We keep making new guidelines for patient care within the hospital to limit contact in case of a positive patient, but the people are ignorant and
difficult to work with,” said the doctor.
The issue of equipments has been raised by doctors who are anxious as they are getting exposed to the patients. Kanishk
Yadav a nurse officer said that the medical staff needs to work fearlessly in such a situation and PPE is the only solution. “I know we are going to fight this virus, it won't win. All I have is one request that we get PPE suits. We will give triple the hours if we have the safety,” he said.
Yadav had written a letter to AIIMS requesting him to be posted at the Covid-19 ward as he wants to boost the morale of the nurses. “There are about 4000 to 5000 nursing officers and in such time of crisis I want to give them the strength and the motivation to keep going. Everyone is going through a time and in such a situation I want to be there with them. I believe we will fight this pandemic,” he added.
Meanwhile, doctors and nurses of Hindu Rao Hospital, Delhi submitted their resignation due to lack of PPES and higher risk to their lives. According to sources, they are threatened by administration for disciplinary action.
This has, however, been denied by Commissioner of North Delhi Municipal Corporation who took to Twitter and said, “This order was issued against directions of DHA and without the knowledge of Additional Commissioner and Commissioner. Disciplinary action will be taken for this disobedience. From my side, any unwilling worker is more than welcome to resign. Especially in a pandemic.”