PANJIM: After almost two months, the State government has decided to resume operations of Out Patient Departments (OPDs) in district and sub-district hospitals in phased manner.
However, the OPDs at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), where currently suspected cases of coronavirus been isolated, will continue to remain shut, till further directions.
The decision has been taken after Goa being classified as “Green Zone” for COVID-19 by the Central government.
Health Minister Vishwajit Rane on Saturday took to social media to announce opening up of OPDs.
“After the state of Goa being classified as “Green Zone” as per the MHA order received yesterday (Friday), we will be working towards opening of OPDs of all District and Sub District hospitals in a phased manner,” Rane tweeted.
“However the OPDs at GMC will remain suspended until further notice,” he tweeted further.
The OPDs in the district and sub district hospitals along with GMC were closed to curb possible spread of COVID-19 infection.
Goa has not reported any COVID-19 infection case in the State since April 3. All the seven patients, who tested positive, have recovered and discharged from the hospital.
From April 20, all the private medical clinics and laboratories have also started functioning within limited staff. Majority of the clinics are not undertaking any procedural cases, but only going for regular check-ups and consultations.
The Government had said that the practitioners above 65 years of age and those with co-morbidities, antenatals and parents of children below the age of five years may be encouraged to provide services through tele-consultation.
