Covid report not must for hospital admission

Tribune News Service
New Delhi, May 8

A Covid-positive report will no longer be mandatory for those seeking admission to hospitals. In revised guidelines, the Health Ministry today directed states to ensure all patients with Covid-like symptoms are admitted to health centres and given access to oxygen and drugs. The development comes at a time when Covid testing has reduced and reports delayed due to drastic load on the system.

Revised norms

• Medication such as oxygen and essential drugs to be given to all
• States told to ensure beds are occupied only by those in need

As per the new hospital admission policy notified today, suspected Covid cases shall be admitted to the suspect ward of the Covid care centre or hospital concerned. No patient will be refused access to health services on any count, it said. Medication such as oxygen and essential drugs will have to be given to all even if the patient belongs to a different city.

Admission to hospital must be based on need. It should be ensured that beds are not occupied by persons who do not require hospitalisation.