13 more test positive, 4 SKIMS doctors among infected
SKIMS authorities confirmed that 13 new samples have tested positive for H1N1 taking the total number of swine flu affected cases to 84. Four patients are currently admitted at SKIMS ‘isolation ward’, the authorities reported.
Among the infected are four doctors, some employees of SKIMS.
“Yes, four of our doctors have tested positive for H1N1,” Dr Farooq Jan, Medical Superintendent SKIMS said. However, when asked about the steps being taken by the authorities to safeguard its staff, Dr Jan expressed helplessness.
However, sources revealed that 10 doctors have tested positive for H1N1. “These doctors have been asked to proceed on leave,” said a source.
Doctors at SKIMS complained that they have not been given masks. Dr Adil Ashraf said; “Upon protest by doctors, they have been given ‘dusting masks’ and were told that these are N-95 masks. They are taking employees for a ride and risking their lives.”
Reports of ‘favoritism’ in distribution of vaccine among the hospital staff is causing furor in SKIMS. A doctor wishing anonymity said, “Dr Zargar does not seem to care about his staff. We are most vulnerable and a paramedic Ghulam Hassan Bhat from Ganderbal lost his life to the epidemic in 2009.”
“We have limited supply of protective consumables. Whatever we have, we are trying to use it judiciously,” he said.
On Wednesday, Director SKIMS, Showkat Zargar had told media that SKIMS is vaccinating its staff.
However, when we spoke to doctors on duty at SKIMS, they denied having got vaccination. Dr Jan explained, “As I said, the stocks are limited. Only the most vulnerable, such as the staff working in casualty, are getting vaccines. We have to prioritize.”
The supply of Tamiflu continues to be a concern. Reportedly, SMHS Hospital is facing hardships to get Tamiflu for its patients. A doctor wishing not to be named said; “Only the patients who are admitted here get Tamiflu. Others have to struggle to buy it.”
Dr Jan said, “We have enough Tamiflu for managing our own patients. But we do consider requisitions from other hospitals. I personally sign the prescriptions.’
SKIMS authorities claimed that the orders had already been placed and stocks of vaccines and Tamiflu will be replenished by tomorrow.
Meanwhile, hospitals continue to remain the ‘hot beds’ for spread of infection. Dr Mushtaq Ahmed, MS LD Hospital said, “Hospitals are the most crowded places and unfortunately house the most vulnerable. People should avoid unnecessary visits to hospitals and social visits should be shifted to homes.”
Reports of ‘clusters’ of H1N1 from some belts of Bandipora and Anantnag were received. Dr Saleem-ur- Rehman, Director Health Services Kashmir said; “The spread is being contained. There were five cases and these have been well tackled. We have sent epidemiologists as well as Rapid Response Teams to these places.”
Concerned inhabitants of some areas called GK and complained about lack of basic medical facilities in the hospitals of their respective areas and called the claims of Rapid Response Teams as a ‘lie’.
