PUNE: As doctors in government hospitals put up a fight against the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, private doctors and the members of Indian Medical Association (IMA) have come forward to help them. The growing number of positive cases has put some strain on resources and workforce at state-owned medical facilities like Naidu Hospital, Sassoon General hospital (both in Pune) and Yashwantrao Chavan Medical College hospital in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
Speaking to Sakal Times, Dr Sanjay Patil, President of IMA, Pune Chapter, said they are taking some steps to help the government doctors and hospitals.
“With the recent rise in cases of COVID-19, we are helping the Sassoon General Hospital (SGH) with a new and separate OPD and quarantine facility inside the campus of the hospital. This facility will ensure that patients who need medical care such as ventilators, will be admitted here.”
He added that an OPD to check patients with symptoms of coronavirus is being made.
“We maintaining social distancing in this particular building as well to ensure that patients and staff are all secured,” said Dr Patil.
He further mentioned that as of now, there is no medical insurance for private doctors who are helping government hospitals and taking care of COVID-19 patients.
“We urge the government to make these insurances available to doctors so that many more can volunteer. Also, there is a shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for doctors handling patients. This also should be made available as soon as possible,” said Dr Patil.
