Kin of corona patients throng city GHs, increase risk of virus spread

Chennai

Health officials stated that with the relaxation of the lockdown, scores of relatives have been frequenting coronavirus wards in government hospitals to check on their family members and loved ones, putting themselves at risk.

At the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH) that treats the highest number of virus cases in the city, there are a lot of anxious attendants of COVID patients and suspected cases thronging the ward, said the doctors there.

“The attendants crowd outside the hospital, within premises of the COVID-19 ward or near the emergency out of anxiety. In case of very critical cases, we allow close visitors with a PPE kit to see the patient on humanitarian grounds. However, no one is generally allowed but people fail to understand,” said Dr E Theranirajan, dean, RGGGH. Despite strict instructions and other arrangements in place to get updates on the patients, the attendants visit the hospitals regularly.

“We also call the patients’ kin in case of any requirements or update on the health status, but attendants are difficult to manage. Thus, we have now arranged for some seating availability outside so that they don’t insist on entering the ward. However, they are unknowingly exposing themselves,” said Dr Theranirajan.

Authorities at Omandurar Government General Hospital and Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital claim that barricades are in place and strict instructions have been given to all the visitors. “It will be a relief for the hospital authorities if the patients’ kin are aware that they might expose themselves to the COVID-19 infection if they visit the wards frequently. We have completely restricted the COVID-19 ward premises and allow visitors for only very critical patients,” said Dr P Balaji, dean, Stanley Medical College and Hospital.

Chennai cases dip below 1,000 mark again