AIIMS prepares to re-start OPD services; sets up panel & screening area for Covid suspects

All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi has set up a committee to look into modalities for re-starting OPD (Out Patient Department) services in a phased manner. committee will also look to ensure safety of n-Coronavirus patients and healthcare workers from getting any infection at hospital.

'We are planning and making all arrangements'

Speaking to ANI, Dr Aarti Vij, Chairperson, Media and Protocol Division said, "We are planning and making all arrangements to open OPD in a phased manner. A committee has been set up for looking into procedures, protocols for scheduling of patients and or processes." 

Moreover, all patients coming to OPD with prior appointments will go through screening areas which will be set up. COVID suspects with mild symptoms may be asked to quarantine mselves at home as per government guidelines. purpose is to segregate influenza-like illness (ILI) and COVID suspects before y are furr referred to go to main OPD.

"We are also planning for a screening OPD where patients would first get screened. one with mild symptoms will be asked to be under home quarantine as per government protocols and will be asked to contact helplines through Aarogya Setu app for testing. For ors, y would be transferred to respective OPDs," Dr Vij said. 

'Around 1000 teleconsultations are being provided'

A large proportion of manpower and patient care facilities are being dedicated to managing COVID-19 patients. Besides, entire AIIMS Trauma Centre has been converted into a dedicated COVID-19 hospital and NCI Jhajjar also is treating coronavirus infected patients.  entire trauma casualty and emergency has been shifted to AIIMS' main emergency. 

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"Doctors at AIIMS are currently providing teleconsultation to all follow-up patients in an effort to reduce need for m to visit facility during lockdown. Around 1000 teleconsultations are being provided per day in different departments in total and se figures are going up," Vij said.

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For first time in its history, All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi shut down its OPD services, including speciality, and all new and follow-up registrations from March 24. AIIMS h also issued a circular postponing all nessential elective procedures and surgeries and directed that only emergency life-saving surgeries be conducted with effect from March 21.

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(With ncy inputs)