No positive cases in Institute of Mental Health, says director

After a male patient, who was admitted to ward 19 at the institute, was sent to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital for treatment, there were rumours that the patient had tested positive for COVID-19. It was also reported that three postgraduate medical students, nurses and a warden in ward 19 were asked to self-quarantine.

 However, the authorities at the Institute denied the same and said all the inmates and suspected cases are being screened for COVID- 19 while entering the hospital premises. “The inmates are not in contact with anyone outside the premises. Thus, the chances of infection among the inmates are very less. However, we are taking precautions and following quarantine protocols if someone is coming from outside,” said Dr Poorna Chandrika, director, Institute of Mental Health. She added that PPE kits and N95 masks are being provided to all the doctors in the institute since they are seeing new patients and all of them are treated as suspected COVID19 cases to ensure that there is no risk of infection.

 The officials claimed that screening of the inmates and attendants coming to the institute was necessary and was being done regularly. “So far, there are no suspected cases of COVID-19 in the Institute of Mental Health,” the director said.