Coronavirus outbreak: Health Ministry issues advisory for hospitals & medical institutions

In order to curb transmission of Coronavirus within country, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday issued an visory for hospitals and medical education institutions in view of COVID-19. ministry has asked hospitals to postpone n-essential elective surgeries.

ministry also stated that all doctors, nurses, and support staff in different specialties, including pre and para clinical departments, should be mobilised and trained in infection prevention and control practices.

"Some beds should be set apart and prepared for creating isolation facilities in every public and private hospital. All hospitals should mobilize ditional resources including masks, gloves and personal protection equipment. Healthcare personnel should be trained for dealing with any foreseeable emergencies," re visory.

"Hospitals must procure sufficient numbers of ventilators and high flow oxygen masks in preparation for future requirements. All hospitals must ensure that y have equate trained manpower and resource pools for ventilator/ ICU care. Hospitals may ensure that stable patients are discharged as early as possible while furr new missions (of stable patients) are also restricted. Number of patient attendants should be strictly restricted to 'one' only," visory ded.

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Do's and Don'ts

Stressing on cough etiquette,  health ministry said that patients must be educated on same and asked hospitals to put up posters to increase awareness amongst patients on Do's and Don'ts regarding COVID-19.

"All hospitals should carry out a preparedness drill on Sunday, 22nd March 2020. Guidelines for this drill will be me available on Health Ministry website. n-essential audits of hospitals by various regulators and accreditation ncies may be postponed. All hospitals must provide treatment free of cost to any medical personnel who pick up infection while treating patients," visory said.

Meanwhile, number of positive coronavirus cases in India have soared to over 200.

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Health Ministry reinforces PM Modi's dress

Furrmore, ministry on Friday stressed on significance of maintaining social distance to prevent spre of dely virus. Highlighting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal to impose 'Janta Curfew' on Sunday, Health Ministry said, initiative will greatly help in promoting social distancing.

Maintaining social distance and avoiding public garings is of crucial importance, Ministry said. It urged people t to panic and dial Health Ministry call centre number 1075 to clear any doubts regarding highly infectious disease. 

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