Officials inspect Covid-19 preparedness across Chandigarh

Chandigarh, April 10

In view of the recent surge in Covid-19 cases here, a mock drill was conducted at major health facilities to assess the preparedness of the department regarding the pandemic. The drill was carried out at Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Sector 16 (GMSH-16); civil hospitals in Sector 45, Sector 22 and Mani Majra; Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32; and the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER).

Dr Suman Singh, Director, Health Services; and Dr VK Nagpal, Medical Superintendent, along with senior officials from the Health Department, supervised the drill at the GMSH-16. The drill protocol included OPD assessment, Covid lab testing, reporting, home isolation advice, admission norms, shifting of patients to a ward and an ICU, availability of Covid-related drugs and equipment and working ambulance service.

During the drill, the officials also checked the availability of oxygen in the hospital and visited the PSA Oxygen plant, the room where oxygen cylinders are stocked, and the liquid oxygen plant. The objective of the drill was to ensure the readiness of the health facilities to tackle any Covid-19 related emergencies.

Meanwhile, a fire mock drill was also conducted at all these health facilities to check if the equipment was in a working condition. The initiative was taken under the guidance of the Adviser to the Administrator, Chandigarh Administration, and the supervision of the Secretary, Health.