60 doctors and 30 MBBS students of Patiala medical college test Covid positive

Karam Prakash

Tribune News Service

Patiala, January 3

Amid rising Covid-19 cases, more than 60 doctors and 30 MBBS students of Government Rajindra Hospital and Medical College have tested positive. Majority of them are resident doctors. In the face of the sudden spread of infection among doctors, the collapse of the healthcare system looms large, say experts.

Dr Sumeet Singh, district epidemiologist, said, “Of course, it is a matter of concern. If doctors themselves test positive, we will be in great trouble to handle the patients.” Apart from Rajindra hospital, staff of the Patiala Health Department, including doctors, have also tested positive.

In the highest single-day spike over the past six months, Patiala, on Monday, reported 143 positive cases. Of the 143 cases, Patiala city alone reported 131. With 486 cases within five days, the tally of active cases in the district has risen to 491.

Patiala appears to have already turned into a Covid hotspot. Civil Surgeon Dr Prince Sodhi said they were facing tough time as majority of the health staff was on strike, while some had tested positive.

Patiala DC Sandeep Hans, in a public appeal, asked residents to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour and avoid large gatherings. He said the sudden spike was an outcome of the recently held elections to the Rajindra Gymkhana and Mahindra Club and parties on the New Year’s Eve. Hans said positive cases at Thapar University were also due to gathering by students.