More OPDs in GMSH-16, Chandigarh open path to normalcy

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 19

Government Multi-Specialty Hospital (GMSH), Sector 16, today resumed its out-patient departments (OPDs) with 150 registrations in the skin, orthopaedics and surgery wings.

The hospital authorities have gone a step ahead and started voluntary Covid testing for OPD patients.

Dr Amandeep Kang, UT Director (Health Services), said: “All necessary measures were taken to maintain adequate social distancing and all patients were advised to wear a mask.

As many as 1,084 patients visited the OPDs, including those that were functioning previously.

In the new OPDs, 50 patients each were examined in surgery, orthopaedics and skin. As many as four major and eight minor surgeries were performed.”

The authorities ensured separate entry and exit to OPDs and patients were given triple-layered masks and a hand sanitiser before entering an OPD. A batch of 10 patients each was allowed at a time in OPDs and others were made to sit in the holding area. The patients will now be given appointment for follow-up visits.

Dr VK Nagpal, Medical Superintendent, GMSH, said: “We are going to observe the situation for two days and extend the registration numbers as well. The response was good and we were able to ensure social distancing on the first day.” Dr Kang said the hospital had started voluntary Covid testing for patients who would visit OPDs so that the rate of infected patients coming to hospitals could be determined. “We will facilitate Covid testing for patients coming to the hospital for OPDs so that we can track asymptomatic cases as well and stop the spread of the virus.”

Besides, at least three mobile testing teams will visit 32 dispensaries in the city and thus, a testing team will be available once in 10 days in each area. Two more testing teams will be deputed in the containment zones.

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