IMA welcomes lockdown

Pothashang News Service: Imphal, March 24, 2020: The Indian Medical Association Manipur State Branch (IMA-MSB) has appreciated the decision of the chief minister N. Biren Singh led government for imposing a complete lockdown till March to avert from the spread of Covid-19.

This is an unprecedented step taken by the present government for the welfare of the citizens of this state, said IMA-MSB in a press statement released on Monday.

The association appealed to the chief minister to provide for basic PPE(Personal Protection Equipment) for those doctors, nurses, paramedics, ambulance drivers, cleaners, sanitary workers as well as for those security personnel manning various checkpoints and in various capacities.

The IMA-MSB also appealed to the government to take appropriate steps to look into the needs of the vulnerable groups like the elderly, the young, the differently able and daily wage earners etc. and to make provisions for them.

It appealed for co-operation from various agencies to help in enforcing the decision of the government for a lock-down and for provision for basic needs like fuel and other essential supplies for medical personnel on duty.

IMA-MSB requested to all respected doctors and the healthcare workers to try and take care of themselves by using masks while attending patients and maintain strict hand hygiene with soap and water and the hand sanitizers before and after attending each patient.

It recomended that none emergency patients are better advised to attend OPD only after the situation improves, thus avoid crowding.
Patients are asked to come by appointment, arrange the appointment in such a way that in any given point there should not be over-crowding , organise the patients waiting room/ lounge area in such a way that there is adequate distancing to clusters of patient + attendants. Waiting time for patients at clinics/laps to be kept at minimum, it recommended.

All patients are requested to restrict attendants in private chambers and hospitals. Strict hand-hygiene to be enforced for all patients and attendants with soap & water/ hand sanitisers on entry to hospital/ chamber.

The association has made other recommendations.

Patient with flu-like symptoms, fever and cough to be seen on priority basis, preferably in a separate chamber. Disposable mask to be provided to such patients and one meter waiting room distance to be maintained. to keep all medical records of all the patients, as well as the information regarding their foreign travel or contact with foreign travellers.

All doctors who made themselves available for patient consultation in private clinics/ non-government hospitals are hereby advised to ensure that the government/ district administration guidelines are strictly followed.

Except emergency procedures, all elective surgeries, procedures and elective endoscopic, laparoscopic procedures should be avoided or postponed to avoid spreading Novel Corona Virus to the OT staff, paramedical staff and future patients.

“IMA- MSB is always ready to help the government agencies and the people of Manipur whenever the need arises.
Our ultimate aim is to see that our doctors, our healthcare professionals and our patients are safe from being infected and that we remain productive at this hour of crucial health emergency,” the association said.

It requests the general public to comply with the time to time directives of the state and the central government on Covid-19 prevention.

+ There are no comments

Add yours