Pune: With coronavirus numbers increasing by the day, social distancing is the only way to stop the spread of the pandemic. In the wake of it, Pune based various hospitals have started OPD with adequate COVID-19 safety protocol for addressing the health of kids and elderly patients.
Older adults and people of any age who have serious underlying medical conditions might be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19.
Elderly people are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their weaker immunity and body reserves, as well as multiple associated comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Also, the course of the disease tends to be more severe in the case of elderlies resulting in higher mortality.
Speaking to Sakal Times Dr Anshul Sethi, Paediatrician, at Apollo Clinic who has started its OPD said, "Keeping kids safe is always a parent's priority and is even more at the forefront amid the COVID-19 crisis. Fever and cough are common COVID-19 symptoms in both adults and children; shortness of breath is more likely to be seen in adults. Children can have pneumonia, with or without obvious symptoms. They can also experience sore throat, excessive fatigue, or diarrhea. Parents should stay alert if their child is diagnosed with, or shows signs of, the disease."
"Keeping in mind that coronavirus cases are asymptomatic, Apollo Clinic keeps proper infrastructure facilities to minimize the spread of COVID-19. We have made a strict protocol for doctors and patients to be followed and monitored. The patients will have to pre-book their appointments via phone and will be given a time slot wherein they will have to visit the doctor." add Dr Sethi.
While another doctor Dr Mukesh Budhwani, General Physician and Diabetologist, shared, "We are strictly adhering to the COVID-19 protocols for the safety of its patients. Sanitization and screening for everyone at the entrance are done that includes temperature checks with thermal guns, the physical distancing of minimum 3-feet distance. Likewise, frequent hand washing, wiping patient's files/cards, etc before and after handing them, the mandatory wearing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE's) when it comes to the hospital staff is ensured. Bio-Medical Waste is collected in allocated disposable bags and discarded along with deep cleaning and scrubbing facilities. The aim is to help the patients get back on track, and keep coronavirus at bay."
Here are a few precautionary notes before visiting a hospital
· Checkout appointments and visit.
· Disinfection of all the surfaces.
· Enforced hand-sanitizing protocol
· Pre-treatment patient screening
· Record of medical and travel history
· Temperature reading
· Use of global standard PPE - Gloves, Face mask, hair cap, and shoe covers
· Responsible disposal of biomedical waste
· Periodic clinical audits to ensure 100% complete
