Suspected patient escapes from isolation ward, booked

Tribune News Service

Patiala, March 31

The police have booked a suspected Covid-19 patient (tested negative on Tuesday) for creating ruckus and running away from an isolation ward of Government Rajindra Hospital on Monday night.

The 31-year-old, who has a travel history of Dubai, was admitted to the hospital on Monday evening.

The Health Department contacted the police, which caught him today morning from his home and got him admitted again.

The suspected patient asked the hospital authorities to shift him to another ward as he did not wanted to share the ward with a Covid-19 positive patient.

Patiala Civil Surgeon Harish Malhotra said such irresponsible behaviour was not acceptable. He said lives of staff on duty and masses were put at risk by the patient, therefore, action should be taken against him.

“We are doing our best, but still people are not ready to cooperate. They (people) are not following guidelines. I have written to the police to book the patient,” said Malhotra.

The patient has been booked under Section 353, 186, 188, 269 and 270 of the Indian Penal Code.