Lack of ventilators cause for worry

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 7

A 40-year-old Covid-19 positive patient from Barnala was referred to Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala, on Monday after her health deteriorated.

Reason: Barnala district does not have an operational ventilator support. It is the similar picture in the entire state. Out of 22 districts in the state, only six have ventilator facility for Covid-19 positive patients.

Ironically, the state has only 137 ventilators, which have been earmarked for Covid-19 positive patients. Of nine health centers in six districts where ventilators are available, seven happen to be medical colleges.

Earlier, a Ludhiana-based woman who had lost her life and tested Covid-19 positive was referred to Patiala for the same reason.

Health experts said ventilators help patients to a great deal, especially those facing respiratory problems in the wake of the Covid-19.

Experts opined that the government should designate a private hospital in every district where government health facility does not have ventilators.

Due to non-availability of ventilators in every district, patients have to travel long distances. As a result, vital time is wasted.

Dr Pyare Lal Garg, former Registrar, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, said the government has enough ventilators, but they should work on ways to provide this facility in every district.

“Though the government has already identified centers to provide this facility, however, the government should put efforts in covering each district,” he said.

In a recent order, Secretary Health Family and Welfare, had aksed all the Civil Surgeons and Deputy Commissioners to refer Covid-19 patients to nine health institutes as per the protocol.

The Health Department said they have dedicated functional 137 ventilators for Covid-19 patients in the first stage. However, the department claimed to have designated a total of 440 ventilators, including already functional 137 ventilators, which will be used only if cases increase.

Dr GB Singh, Civil Surgeon, Barnala, said, “As a precautionary measure, we referred the patient to Government Rajindra Hospital, Patiala. Two non-operational ventilators will be ready for use by Wednesday.”

List of health institutes having ventilators

Amritsar

• Government Medical College Amritsar - 32
• Guru Ram Das Medical College and Hospital -7

Patiala

• Government Medical College Patiala -40
• Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital Banur- 10

Faridkot

• Guru Gobind Singh Medical Colllege Faridkot - 26

Jalandhar

• District hospital Jalandhar - 7

Kapurthala

• District hospital Kapurthala - 5

Ludhiana

• Dyanad Medical College - 5
• Christan Medical College - 5