CS takes stock of situation, discharge policy tweaked

Jammu: The COVID-19 patients will be discharged without any requirement of negative report after 10 days across Jammu and Kashmir hospitals but they have to be asymptomatic for three days.

“COVID positive patients to be discharged after 10 days without any requirement of a negative test report provided they have been asymptomatic for 3 days,” a government spokesperson said.

Earlier, patients were tested after 10 days and re-tested after every five days till their reports came out negative before being discharged from a Covid facility.

The Indian Council of Medical Research had in its advisory dated September 4 reiterated that no testing was recommended prior to the discharge of a patient from a Covid facility after his clinical recovery, as per the evolving scientific evidence.

Earlier, the Chief Secretary , BVR Subrahmanyam asked health authorities to put in place an effective protocol for treatment of Covid-19 patients and ensure doctors attend them on a regular basis.

He also directed the Principal GMC to establish a holding area for testing and segregation of Covid and non Covid patients at entry points i.e emergency ward and OPD to prevent transmission of any kind.

He also directed Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation to start a drive in GMC to intensify cleaning and sanitation of the hospital building.

He also directed the concerned authorities to stop parking in the hospital premises during the cleanliness drive to enable sanitization of each and every corner of the hospital.

Stressing on round the clock care of the Covid patients, he asked the hospital management to maintain the regular supply of oxygen to meet emergency cases.

CS also reviewed the staff position of the GMC and the Principal informed that the recruitments are in process to engage nursing, paramedical staff. The CS asked to expedite the process.

CS also reviewed the stock position of PPE kits, Oxygen Cylinders and other special Medicare facilities for the treatment of critical covid cases.

He was informed that an adequate number of PPE kits and oxygen cylinders are available. He also asked the concerned for installing CCTVs in Covid wards.

Meanwhile in another meeting Financial Commissioner, Health & Medical Education, Atal Dulloo, today called upon the medical fraternity to work in close coordination to ensure best treatment to the patients of Corona virus in Jammu division.

He asked the heads of institutions to adopt pro-active approach towards dealing with the virus affected cases besides monitoring the situation round the clock.