Five paramedics admitted to Rajindra Hospital isolation ward

Karam Prakash
Tribune News Service
Patiala, April 2

The breach in protocol and omissions in handling a Covid-positive case landed five paramedics of the Government Rajindra Hospital in an isolation ward here today. In fact, three staff nurses, one attendant, and a class four employee were admitted to the isolation ward after they were exposed to deadly virus in the emergency ward and thereafter, on Monday.

Notably, a 42-year-old suspected Covid patient from Ludhiana, who died at the hospital later, was brought to the emergency first before taking her to the isolation ward thus breaching the protocol.

Out of the five, two were exposed to the virus at the emergency ward while another got infected during shifting of the patient to the isolation ward. Rest two paramedics were exposed while treating the patient in the isolation ward.

Worryingly, two of the five paramedics, admitted to the isolation ward, have already become symptomatic of Covid-19. The samples of all the paramedics have already been sent to the Government Medical College lab.

One of the staff nurses at the hospital said the victim, who had been attending to the Covid patient, started complaining of fever and sore throat, symptoms of the virus.

The attendant, who was also at the isolation ward, had fever this morning following which he was also shifted to the isolation ward.

It is pertinent to mention that breach in protocol while handling the same patient had already forced junior residents into self-quarantine.

Meanwhile, the paramedical staff protested against the hospital authorities on Monday for lack of protective gear at the isolation and emergency wards.

Dr Paras Pandove, Medical Superintendent, Government Rajindra hospital, said, “After the staff nurse complained of symptoms, we admitted her to the isolation ward. As precautionary measures, three paramedics, who have come into contact with the patient, have also admitted to the isolation ward.”