Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, January 4
Ahead of the inevitable peak of the third wave, the government healthcare system seems to be on the verge of collapse. Reason: increasing number of medical staff testing positive for Covid.
As many as 142 staff members of Government Rajindra Hospital and Medical College have already tested positive for the virus. Of these, 54 are resident doctors, 14 consultants and 34 MBBS students.
It is learnt that MBBS students, following the rise in cases, have been asked to go home. Patiala Deputy Commissioner Sandeep Hans, after holding a review meeting, said all positive cases seem to be that of Omicron variant. “We have sent samples for genome sequencing to ascertain the Covid strain,” he said. The departments of radio diagnosis, surgery and gynaecology have been severely hit. Some resident doctors of paediatrics and medicine have also tested positive. Besides, the in-charge of virus research and diagnostic laboratory and genome sequencing lab at Government Medical College has tested positive.
After sudden rise in cases, the Health Department wrote a letter to the hospital to strictly follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. “Doctors in large numbers have already tested positive. This will hamper health services. So, Covid protocols should be strictly followed,” the letter read.
Docs flout norms
- An alumni meet, a retirement and New Year party at the college seem to have led to a sudden rise in cases
- Even the administration and medical education department staff attended the parties without following Covid guidelines
- Majority of those who joined the party have reportedly tested positive
142 staffers of Patiala hospital test positive
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