Srinagar- Principal, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, Prof. (Dr.) Reyaz Ahmad Untoo today said that SKIMS Medical College and Hospital, Bemina which is designated as COVID-19 hospital has 150 dedicated beds for Isolation wards along with 20 beds in high dependence unit and 04 beds in ICU.
The Principal said that with all the arrangements in place, the hospital has been able to handle COVID-19 cases successfully and the administration is always working to further improve the facilities.
While giving details of the procedure for handling COVID-19 cases, the Principal said that the designated Rapid Response Teams (RRT) receives the patient along with full information from the referral centres. The Medical Superintendent of the Hospital coordinates all activities within the Hospital after receiving the patient. He said that a roster for consultants, senior residents, junior residents, postgraduates and Paramedical staff ensures that any emergency related to COVID-19 is professionally taken care of.
The hospital has issued contact numbers for referral, so that all arrangements for the reception of the patient and further management are put into full gear, beforehand.
The Principal said that the radio-diagnosis department has kept the facilities like portable X-rays, portable ultrasounds and ECG Machines near the wards and CT Scan has been covered properly with protective covering for use in case of COVID-19 patients. To tackle any Obstetric emergency in a COVID-19 pregnant patient, the Department of Obstetrics has placed staff round the clock in OT, he further added.
The Principal said that the Hospital is admitting COVID-19 positive patients for secondary level care referred from various centres. “At present some patients in early respiratory distress stand admitted and may need ventilator support as and when decided by the COVID-19 management team treating the patient. Adequate arrangements are in place for any type of medical need,” he said.
Regarding the medical supplies and other facilities, the Principal said the District Administration has helped in providing some PPE Kits besides accommodation in two Hotels wherein faculty and resident doctor staff has been placed as per roster duties. In addition to this, 40 rooms, 20 each in boys and Girls Hostels have been put into use for staff on duty. The patients are provided hygienic free food by the diet Section of the Hospital.
The Medical Supplies Corporation is also providing PPE Kits, N95 Masks, Sanitisers etc., he said.
The Principal said that the SKIMS Medical College was also actively participating in the screening of passengers arriving at Srinagar Airport till 22nd of March and has screened thousands of patients in coordination with Directorate of Health Services Kashmir and Airport Authority of India.
He said that two dedicated ambulances have been kept for any emergency related to COVID-19 patients. Besides this, the hospital has five more ambulances available and some being used by the Department of Community Medicine in awareness programmes in the catchment areas and the attached Rural Block (Soibugh).
“An Oxygen Concentrator Plant is in the process of commissioning besides the Department of Microbiology is in the process of establishing testing laboratory with the help of SKIMS Soura and District Administration,” he said. “In addition to this, some infrastructural issues required for safety purposes are being addressed on war footing, so that better facilities along with better care to the service providers are in place.”
The Principal informed that Community Medicine Department, SKIMS Medical College and Hospital are actively involved in spreading awareness among masses in urban as well as rural areas. The department has kept a dedicated vehicle with Public Address System which educates people about the benefits of social distancing, Dos & Don’ts and necessary precautions to prevent the spread of infection and is coordinating actively with Health Department. Besides this, the department is conducting regular teaching and awareness programmes for the staff regarding personal care during management of COVID-19 patients.
Meanwhile, the Principal urged public to avoid any attendant reporting with the patient. He said that patients are admitted, provided all facilities including high-end medicines, hygienic food free of cost. He laid stress on ensuring social distancing particularly at grocery shops, vegetable, fruit markets etc. besides maintaining hand hygiene, use of simple masks and avoiding unnecessary travel.
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