Suhail Khan
SOPORE, May 23: In a very shocking incident a patient from Sopore in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district was declared positive for novel coronavirus a night after he was allowed to go home by administration after testing “negative” for COVID-19.
This is the third case of alleged negligence of the administration in a week. A patient (name withheld) who appeared in a video available with Kashmir Despatch, claimed to have tested positive for novel coronavirus on May 4 after which he was put in an isolation centre for recovery.
In a video, he says that after remaining in isolation until 18th May, a test was carried some days ago which turned negative for COVID and he was discharged along with a negative certificate in the presence of officials from the administration and medical staff who dropped him at his home.
“After spending a night at home I was informed that you’re positive for never coronavirus again and you will have to return back for the treatment, he said in the video clip,” he said.
He said: “It is a total failure and negligence on part of the administration and medical authorities who after declaring me negative have declared me positive for COVID-19 just a day after I reached home.”
Block Medical Officer Sopore Dr. Asif Khandey told Kashmir Despatch that, here we are working as per health guidelines, he said as per new health guidelines if an asymptomatic patient who doesn’t have a symptom has to be kept for 10 days at the hospital after that a patient has to be discharged for home isolation without performing a test so that for more 14 days he will be at home isolation, he said these are the new health guidelines and as per these we are working. He said this is a new disease and everyone has to follow the guidelines and instructions of the authorities. Dr. Asif further said that we have to live now with masks and other precautionary things.
Revised Discharge Policy for COVID-19
Meanwhile an order copy of Revised Discharge Policy for COVID-19 which lies with Kashmir Despatch reads, Mild/very mild/pre-symptomatic cases admitted to a COVID Care Facility will undergo regular temperature and pulse oximetry monitoring. The patient can be discharged after 10 days of symptom onset and no fever for 3 days. There will be no need for testing prior to discharge.
At the time of discharge, the patient will be advised to isolate himself at home and self-monitor their health for a further 7 days.
At any point in time, prior to discharge from CCC, if the oxygen saturation dips below 95%, the patient is moved to Dedicated COVID Health Centre (DCHC).
After discharge from the facility, if he/she again develops symptoms of fever, cough, or breathing difficulty he will contact the COVID Care Centre or State helpline or 1075. His/her health will again be followed up through teleconference on 14th day.
Moderate cases admitted to Dedicated COVID Health Centre (Oxygen beds) 2.1. Patients whose symptoms resolve within 3 days and maintains saturation above 95% for the next 4 days.
Cases clinically classified as “moderate cases” will undergo monitoring of body temperature and oxygen saturation. If the fever resolve within 3 days and the patient maintains saturation above 95% for the next 4 days (without oxygen support), such patients will be discharged after 10 days of symptom.
Onset in case of :
Absence of fever without antipyretics,· Resolution of breathlessness
No oxygen requirement.
There will be no need for testing prior to discharge.
At the time of discharge, the patient will be advised to isolate himself at home and self-monitor their health for a further 7 days.
