Refer only those patients to Srinagar who require tertiary care: Div Com directs officers

Srinagar, August 14: As administration confronts with shortage of beds and staff in hospitals amid COVID-19, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir P K Pole has directed district administrations to refer only those patients to Srinagar who require tertiary care. There has been a sudden rise in the coronavirus cases for the last few weeks and hospitals are not able to accommodate all these patients in Srinagar.
Administration has put concerned authorities on alert that there may be need for more hospitals for COVID-19 patients.
At the same time, administration has directed all district administrations to avoid unnecessary referrals to Srinagar hospitals.
“Divisional Commissioner Kashmir directed all the districts to abide by the latest referral policy strictly and refer only serious patients to tertiary care institutions of Srinagar who require tertiary care. Director SKIMS Soura thanked the chair as well as districts for strict implementation of referral policy which resulted in decongestion of hospitals,” an official document reads, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir Indepth News Service (KINS).
“He has directed all the districts to follow the required criteria for home isolation of positive cases which is as follows 1. Asymptomatic Patient 2. Availability of separate room with washroom & toilet. 3. Arogya Setu App installation in mobile phone. 4. Availability of Pulse oximeter,” it reads.
Divisional Commissioner has directed to arrange and maintain the availability of high flow oxygen supply to dedicated COVID Hospitals in each district for a minimum of 100 beds.
Jammu and Kashmir has reported 27489 positive cases so far and majority have been reported in the valley.
A government advisory says that the best way to protect themselves from COVID-19 is by maintaining physical distance of at least 2 meter from others, frequently cleaning hands with an alcohol based hand sanitizer or washing them with soap and water and following good respiratory etiquette and hygiene.
As a measure for social distancing in public places and workplaces wearing a face cover is compulsory.
The advisory says early detection of COVID-19 can prevent the spread of disease so we need to be responsible for the well-being of ourselves and everyone around us. “Not disclosing symptoms could put the life of individuals and their families at risk. In case of symptoms like fever, cough and difficulty in breathing report early. Do not fear, call COVID-19 helpline numbers and seek medical advice”.
Advisory has further exhorted upon the people not to step out of home, unless absolutely necessary. “If you have to move out for unavoidable reasons, ensure that you wear a mask and practice social distancing, personal hygiene and frequent hand washing with soap and water.”