Dip in outpatients at RGGGH amid COVID-19 scare

“A lot of patients are hesitating to visit the hospital for their regular check-up after the news of positive case of COVID-19 making rounds. Though outpatient services are going on as usual, there is a dip in the number of patients and most of the visitors could be seen covering their faces with masks, handkerchiefs or cloth,” said a doctor on outpatient duty at Cardiothoracic department at the hospital.

The bystanders and visitors too are comparatively lesser in number than usual. Medicos from the Orthopaedic department said patients are trying to refrain from coming to the hospital if they do not require immediate treatment. “Even the outpatients in other hospitals including Stanley Medical College and Hospital have come down than usual after the suspected COVID-19 cases came up. People do not want to risk their health due to any infection,” said Dr Arvind Santosh, a medico from the Stanley MCH.

Even the housekeeping staff and security guards at the hospital could be seen wearing masks throughout the day, though they claim they do not fear about the infection. “We have seen so many such infections and diseases in this hospital. As government hospitals provide for a largescale public health in the State, we have to continue our work. We all have been briefed on the necessary prevention measures against COVID-19,” said Gomathi, a sanitary worker at the hospital.

However, Health officials claimed that the medical services at the hospitals continue as usual. “The one confirmed COVID-19 case has now tested negative and public need not panic about the situation. The outpatient and inpatient services at the hospital continue to be taken care of by doctors, nurses and paramedical staff,” said Dr Narayana Swami, medical superintendent at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.