Rajasthan's Health Department to Create Dedicated OPDs for Covid-19 and Swine Flu Patients
Click to start listening
Jaipur, Jan 6 (NationPress) With the onset of cold weather and a rise in seasonal illnesses in Rajasthan, the State Health Department has, on Monday, issued directives to healthcare facilities mandating the establishment of separate outpatient department (OPD) and inpatient department (IPD) setups for individuals infected with Covid-19, swine flu, and influenza, as per officials.
Additionally, it is required that genome sequencing be conducted on Covid-19 samples upon detection of cases.
This guidance was detailed in a correspondence from Ravi Prakash Mathur, Director of the Rajasthan Health Department, directed to all chief medical health officers, medical college heads, hospital superintendents, and primary medical officers of district hospitals.
The correspondence pointed out that there were 921 reported cases of swine flu and Covid-19 in the state from January to March 2024, with a notable increase during the winter months.
In preparation for a possible repeat of this trend this year, healthcare professionals have been urged to stay alert and adhere to treatment protocols for symptomatic patients.
The Health Department Director has ordered hospital superintendents to establish dedicated OPD and IPD facilities for suspected swine flu and Covid-19 patients.
Special isolation wards should be designated in IPDs for severe cases to limit the transmission of infection in general wards.
Furthermore, OPD areas for suspected cases must be separated to ensure appropriate treatment and reduce exposure to other patients.
The directive also underscores the necessity of conducting genome sequencing for Covid-19 cases.
Hospitals are required to forward samples to Sawai Man Singh Medical College, Jodhpur Medical College, and Kota Medical College in Jaipur for this analysis.
The letter additionally stated that extra precautions should be taken for high-risk groups, including pregnant women, children, and elderly individuals.
Moreover, the availability of medications and the capability for sample collection should be ensured in all clinics across the state. All ICUs should be adequately equipped with beds and ventilators for emergency situations, as mentioned in the letter.
