Panjim: The Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) Goa unit on Wednesday announced its withdrawal from providing tele-consultation for COVID-19 patients who have opted for home isolation.
The IMA, in collaboration with the State health department had launched the programme in August and had provided its services to 6,770 patients.
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Also, against the backdrop of Dr Mario Godinho’s death due to alleged lapses that occurred in treatment offered for coronavirus, IMA has urged the government to prioritize treatment to medical professionals from government and private sector to safe guard their health in case of any eventuality.
In a statement issued, IMA Goa along its 150 plus members with the support of approx 145 doctors from Indian Dental Association Goa and 34 physicians from Homeopathic Medical Association of Goa, pledge to be available in the future in any capacity deemed fit to help the govt in the fight against COVID-19.
IMA State president Dr Samuel Arawattigi said that the Government along with its healthcare workers has put into place a system for management and handling of COVID-19 asymptomatic positive home isolation cases.
“And hence, IMA Goa would like to announce its withdrawal from the arrangement of providing consultation to home isolation patients, as the development is leading to duplication of work,” Arawattigi said.
He said that the programme is being withdrawn, as government medical officers have already taken up the task of providing consultation to patients in home isolation and giving them necessary medical kits.
Putting across some suggestions, IMA has urged the government to ensure implementation of preventive measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 on a larger and stricter scale amongst the public. IMA has also requested the government to improve and update protocols for admissions, handling and management of COVID-19 symptomatic patients.
“We urge the government to maintain transparency in procedures implemented and improve quality of delivery of healthcare services,” he said.
IMA further requested the govt to have a real time dashboard accessible by general public to see vacant beds and specially types of beds including COVID care centers & COVID hospitals available so patient does not go from pillar to post for admission.
