Srinagar, Jan 15: Director Health Services, Kashmir (DHSK), Dr Mushtaq Ahmad Rather on Saturday said the Out-Patient Departments (OPDs) and In-Patient Departments (IPDs) including elective surgeries in the hospitals shall continue to remain functional till further orders.
Addressing a press conference at DHSK office in Srinagar, Dr Mushtaq said that so far, the situation has not reached to the point where we will declare suspension of 0PD/IPD services in the hospitals.
"Covid situation in Kashmir is still under control as positive patients are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. All the Covid and non- Covid services will function normally unless and until more than 50 percent hospital beds get occupied in the valley," he added.
He said that there are fewer patients admitted in Covid designated hospitals at Khanmoh, DRDO and in district hospitals.
"People need to follow SOPs and Covid appropriate behaviour for the smooth functioning of the hospitals. Also, RAT tests will be conducted at the entry points of the hospitals," Dr Mushtaq said.
He said, in this third wave the positive patients are either asymptomatic or have mild symptoms. So, they can isolate themselves.
"People need to take care of six M’s which are mixing, monitoring, medicine, meals, mind set and activity, and movement towards hospital, '' he said.
Dr Mushtaq asked Covid positive patients to isolate themselves at least for a week.
"During isolation, the positive patients should stay in a well-ventilated room, monitor body temperature, and oxygen saturation. They should eat healthy nutritious food which includes eggs, meat, soybeans and other protein rich diets to boost their immunity. Also, some activity including exercise is also a must," he said.
They should avoid coming in contact with the elderly and comorbid people. They need to avoid visiting hospitals unless they feel breathlessness and a high fever," Dr Mushtaq said.
He said the government is fully prepared as the department has increased the capacity of oxygen facilities in the hospitals. "We have enough non-invasive ventilators and bed capacity."