COVID Scare Hits Docs: Odisha CM Hints At ‘Breach’ In Infection Control Practices

Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over service providers in health facilities getting infected with COVID-19 in the past few weeks, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Wednesday said this pointed at a probable breach in maintaining infection control practices.

He said that the State has taken extensive measures for training of personnel and purchase of required consumables, for personal protection of healthcare workers, considering that they are the most vulnerable in this fight against the spread of the deadly virus.

“It is now essential that these protocols continue to be meticulously followed by you, to prevent infection amongst our valuable frontline workers and to maintain the faith of the people in our health institutions,” he said during his interaction with the ‘Corona Warriors’ while attending the technical workshop for health personnel.

“I would like to emphasize again that you are the strength of the people in this long war. Please first ensure your safety and the safety of your team,” he said.

Naveen directed the Health Department to ensure that adequate supplies for personal protection and infection control are available at all levels in the field and conduct refresher training on such protocols where required. “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that infection control measures and personal protection protocols are scrupulously followed in health facilities and by healthcare workers in the field,” he said.

Also Read: Alarm Bells Ring As Corona Grips Dozen Odisha Docs

The CM also directed the Department to begin door-to-door integrated health surveillance for COVID, co-morbid conditions, TB, malaria and diarrhoea in view of the ensuing rainy season.

“With our collective efforts, we will be able to successfully manage this pandemic and ensure the health of our people,” he added.

Also Read: Four AIIMS-Bhubaneswar Doctors Test Positive For COVID-19

All CDMOs, medical colleges staff and other COVID hospital senior functionaries attended the workshop through video conferencing.