Coronavirus: PGIMER depts asked to share safe OPD patient load considering social distancing

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 22

The Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has asked its departments to share the number of outpatient department (OPD) patients they can accommodate considering social distancing norms amid the coronavirus outbreak. However, no date has been set for the reopening of the service, which has been shut since March 20.

Each department has been asked to prepare a plan based on the space allotted to them in the New OPD block, advanced eye centre, advanced cardiac centre and PGIMER's other wings.

Dr Jagat Ram, Director, PGIMER said that they cannot abruptly throw open the services as the hospital witnesses a rush of patients which could cause social distancing norms to go for a toss.

“So far the stress has been on teleconsultation, but a physical diagnosis is also must for the patient as well as the consultant. The appointment will be provided only through the teleconsultation services which will be based on the requirement of the patient and the concerned doctor will take a call on it. So far, we have planned this,” Dr Jagat Ram, Director PGIMER said.

Even though the lockdown in Chandigarh has been relaxed to an extent, the health facilities in the city have not restarted, as the OPDs and PGIMER are also focusing on strengthening the referral system.

“The hospitals in the city need to devise a plan on how patient load can be shared,” Dr Ram said.

Around 10,000 patients visit the PGIMER in a day, most of whom travel long distances from neighbouring states for better medical services.