PANJIM: Terming it as ‘draconian’, the private doctors association has urged State government to immediately withdraw the circular directing private hospitals to reserve 20 per cent of Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds for COVID patients.
Indian Medical Association (IMA) Goa and Association of Private Nursing Home (APNH) in a joint statement issued has condemned the State government’s decision.
IMA Goa President Dr Samuel in the statement feared that private hospital may turn into hotspot for virus.
Samuel said that the service of private sector should be considered only if the government facilities are exhausted; but it is not the case so far.
“As of now full government facilities are yet to be utilised,” he said adding that the government can utilise its facilities at Ponda/Azilo/ Hospicio/Chicalim/GMC, with total of 2,500 beds.
Dr Samuel pointed out that in States like Mumbai, private Sector was utilised only after major facility of government were exhausted.
He also said that COVID dedicated hospital or care centres such as Shiroda PHC does not deal with non COVID patients but only treat the virus patients.
“By reserving 20 per cent private hospitals the total beds available in COVID admission will be 200 and 15 beds in ICU,” doctor said.
“Utilising doctors in COVID care centres is resource stretching as they are asymptomatic, there could be modern telecommunication devices that could be utilised to monitor the non-symptomatic patients with Pulse Oxymetre and can be shifted if need be,” he added.
The Association claimed that 25 per cent to 30 per cent non-symptomatic patient can be kept at home specially in case of 15 to 45 age group with no comorbidities provided they fulfill the criteria such as home infrastructure, care taker, understanding of disease, etc.
The Association demanded formation of High Level Committee of Doctors under Chairmanship of Director of Health with members of Epidemeologist, HoD of Microbiology, HoD Department of Medicine, HoD Preventive and Social Medicine, HoD Anesthesia/Intensive Care, HoD Pulmonary Medicine, HoD Obstetrics and Gynecology, HoD Pediatrics and some private doctors.
