In 14 days, over 200 doctors, paramedics of GMC, associated hospitals test positive
SKIMS Soura puts on hold non-essential elective surgeries
Srinagar: As the number of Covid-19 positive cases continues to be on rise in Jammu and Kashmir, more than 200 doctors and paramedics of Government Medical College and its associated hospitals in Srinagar have tested positive so far.
A local news agency KNS reported today that at least 109 doctors and 98 paramedics of GMC Srinagar and its associated hospitals have contracted the virus since January 01 this year.
The report says, 39 doctors have tested positive from SMHS Hospital, 15 from LD Hospital and 11 from Super Specialty Hospital Shireen Bagh, creating a challenging situation for the health sector to deal with Covid-19.
Meanwhile, Professor and HoD Community Medicine, SPM, GMC Srinagar, Dr S. Muhammad Salim Khan said that the situation is turning alarming with number of cases rising exponentially.
“However, the hospital admissions haven’t increased proportionally as these cases are usually mild and recover fast as compared to second wave which was driven by Delta variant,” he added.
He also urged the people to follow SOPs, wear face masks and take all other precautions.
“Those who are not vaccinated yet, should come forward for vaccination at the earliest,” he added.
Earlier, this week, Director Health Services Kashmir impressed upon all Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents and Block Medical Officers that no patient or attendant should be allowed to enter into the hospital premises unless RAT testing is undertaken.
Meanwhile, the authorities at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura on Friday put on hold non-essential elective surgeries and also made tele consultation available for patients through landline numbers from Monday to Saturday 10am to 4 pm.
According to an order issued today,SKIMS OPD tele consultation facilities have been made available for patients through landline numbers circulated in media and as per the roster copy from Monday to Saturday 10am to 4 pm.
The order stated that the doctors will be providing consultation on phone and are free to call any patient for physical examination.
“Any consultation in OPD without prior appointment through tele consultation has been put on hold for the time being,” said the order.
It also stated, “Nonessential elective surgeries have been put on hold till further orders. Only Emergency, Semi-Emergency and Cancer surgeries or any surgery deemed essential by the treating teams are allowed. Routine admissions may be avoided as far as possible.”
