CHANDIGARH: Due to patient rush in OPDs, PGI has stopped rapid antigen testing and RTPCR tests for patients, unless they need surgery or admission. Sources said it is not feasible to test such a large number of patients every day.
“Initially, PGI was testing every 10th patient visiting the OPD but after the patient inflow increased, testing stopped. Now, social distancing and masking have been made mandatory,” said a faculty in PGI.
Tests will also be stopped at GMCH 32 as number of patients in OPDs increases. “We are conducting RAT tests on all patients during OPDs but if the patient numbers increase, we have to think of further regulation other than tests which cannot be done on all,” said medical superintendent, GMCH-32 Prof Sudhir Gupta.
Moreover, neither of these hospitals have mandated at least one dose of vaccination. Public health experts feel that even after vaccination, there are chances of mild to moderate infection. “That is why, we ask all to not to stop wearing masks as that still remains a strong protective shield against Covid,” said a public health expert.
PGI has not made vaccination mandatory. “Though patients are advised to undergo vaccination, it is not mandatory but RT PCR is required for any admission to hospital for medical or surgical treatment,” said director PGI, Prof Jagat Ram.
