Follow norms or face action, Rajindra Hospital Patiala staff warned

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, June 20

In the wake of rising Covid-19 cases among medical staff, the Health Department has written a letter to the authorities of Government Rajindra Hospital here to strictly follow the safety guidelines. Sources said there were reports that the staff had not been adhering to the norms.

Patiala Civil Surgeon Dr Harish Malhotra said they had directed the hospital authorities to take necessary steps to stop the virus spread among the medical staff.

Following this, the hospital authorities directed the staff to follow the safety protocol else strict disciplinary action would be taken under the Disaster Management Act.

Dr Paras Pandove, Medical Superintendent, said, “We have issued strict directions to the entire staff to follow the guidelines. Any negligence by them will not be tolerated.”

The sources, meanwhile, said that staffers had not been wearing face masks in an appropriate manner despite the fact that a large number of Covid patients were admitted to the hospital.

The sources claimed that staff nurses and attendants at emergency ward were often seen sharing meals, disregarding social distancing norm.

A health official said, “Many staffers are only wearing cloth masks at duty. Social distancing is also not being maintained.”

At least 13 staff members have already tested positive and nearly 100 of their contacts are waiting test results. Earlier during the initial days of the pandemic, the staff members were applauded for strictly following the guidelines.

Stop virus spread

• The hospital authorities have been told to take steps to stop the virus spread among the staff
• Many staffers were reportedly wearing only cloth masks on duty and not maintaining social distancing