In TN, no N-95 masks for medicos in non- corona virus blocks
Posted on: 26/Mar/2020 10:06:28 AM
Currently, many Corona virus affected patients are being treated in the hospitals in TN.
The point is the house surgeons and medical students working in the wards other than the wards dedicated to deal the Corona virus affected patients are denied N-95 face masks. These medicos have been provided with just 3 layered surgeon masks that is inefficient in filtering virus and bacteria.
The students belonging to the government hospitals of Chennai, Chengalpet, Tanjavore and Theni have confirmed the above. It is brought out that the hospital authorities have even threatened the whistle blower among students but the state health department has denied it.
It was later explained by a house surgeon of government hospital of Theni that the surgical masks provided to them were effective for just 6 hours due to blocking of pores. The house surgeon added that they have been using the masks for 2 days. The point that was conveyed by the house surgeon was old sanitary workers and healthcare assistants with lesser immunity in other wards could be potential carriers of the deadly Corona virus.
As per Dr. A. Ramalingam, federation of government doctors association, it is very clear that the hospitals are source of infections and protective gear must be provided to everybody working in the healthcare facilities.
It was brought to light by a house surgeon belonging to government hospital of Tanjavore that Covid-19 crisis would be there for atleast a month. He added that in the coming days, when other people with various health issues also reach the government hospitals for treatment and when the medicos also become sick, then there would be nobody to treat the patients.
From Thursday, all doctors and health workers working in OP wards and those dealing with Covid-19 patients would be provided masks and protective gears. This was as per the state government.
