MARGAO, AUG 25
Screening of patients for suspected H1N1 patients have finally commenced atop the TB Hospital, Margao, even as work is going on a feverish note to set up an isolation ward facility at the hospital premises.
So far, around 10 patients who approached the hospital were screened for H1N1 flu, but were found not falling within the protocol, informed District Tuberculosis Officer, Dr K K Taneja.
He pointed out that a Medical officer has been assigned the responsibility of attending to patients approaching the hospital for screening.
Meanwhile, work on the isolation ward was in full swing at the far corner of the TB hospital, with an army of workers engaged for painting and disinfecting the entire premises.
The isolation ward has the capacity for 10 beds, five each for males and females, disclosed Dr Taneja. Work on the renovation is being taken by the Goa Infrastructure Development Corporation.
If Taneja is to be believed, the Directorate of Health Services will deploy additional manpower to man the isolation ward if the situation warrants. Serious cases will be referred to the Goa Medical College and hospital, Bambolim, he added.
The TB Hospital was short-listed by the government to establish the isolation ward as a matter of abundant precaution and to meet any eventuality in case the situation goes out of control. Screening facility has also commenced at the Hospicio hospital, sources added.
