Isolation ward at Rajindra Hospital falls short of masks

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, May 24

Amid tall claims of preparedness by the authorities concerned to fight Covid, the isolation wing of the Government Rajindra Hospital is facing shortage of non-rebreather masks (NRMs), a medical device that helps deliver oxygen to patients in emergency situations.

It has been learnt that doctors on duty at the Covid ward have already asked the authorities concerned to arrange masks immediately. However, the shortage of NRMs continues.

Health experts said non-availability of the NRMs could prove fatal for Covid patients. Now, doctors on duty have to ask relatives of positive patients to bring NRMs from outside.

In one such case, a city resident, Bunty, whose father was admitted to the isolation ward of the Rajindra, was asked to purchase the NRM from outside hospital. The price of the NRM ranges between Rs300 to Rs500 in the market.

A senior doctor, who is on duty at the isolation wing of the Rajindra Hospital said, “Many doctors have already sent an SOS in the official group, but the authorities have ignored it. The situation becomes difficult without NRMs.”

Dr Harman Singh Rekhi, Medical Superintendent, Government Rajindra Hospital, said there was shortage of NRMs due to immediate spike in Covid patients, who were hospitalised.

“There has been shortage of NRMs for the past few days. However, we have been able to manage masks from here and there. We have already placed orders for the NRMs. The stock is likely to reach hospital in a day or two,” he added.

Meanwhile, Surbhi Malik, in-charge, Covid isolation ward, Rajindra Hospital, could not be contacted for comments on the issue.