Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government will henceforth reserve 5% of general beds and ICU beds for healthcare workers at hospitals designated for doctors and their family members for treatment of COVID-positive patients.
In a notification issued on Thursday, the Health and Family Welfare Department also directed hospitals to screen patients with suspected COVID symptoms while using IPD or OPD services. They will be made to undergo Rapid Antigen test (RAT).
The notification stated that the decision was taken as part of appropriate precaution at the right time to ensure the healthcare system remains free from COVID infection. The state government also believes that it will help prepare for a possible third wave of COVID-19 pandemic.
Entry points to hospitals will be screened by thermal detectors and sanitizers will be provided. It will be mandatory to wear mask, without which entry will be prohibited.
Healthcare workers will be provided with PPE and will follow COVID-appropriate behaviour.
The notification further mentioned that as COVID warriors, healthcare workers will be entitled to all benefits as per guidelines.
