Visit hospital only if it is urgent, say doctors

TNN | Mar 21, 2020, 04.13 AM IST

Madurai: Doctors of both government and private sectors have urged patients and their attenders to avoid visiting hospitals in the light of the Covid-19 scare unless it is an emergency.

“Decreasing large gatherings should include hospitals as well. Patients’ relatives, especially with holidays announced for schools, should not make use of it to bring their children to hospitals. Even outpatients can postpone their regular check-ups and only go in case of emergency,” said a senior doctor at Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH). GRH is one of the largest government hospitals in Tamil Nadu frequented by thousands of patients every day. The doctor added that even patients going for elective surgeries can wait for some time if possible.

One of the city’s biggest hospitals specialising in eye care, Aravind Eye Hospitals (AEH), has announced that it will provide eye care consultation and treatment to patients who have emergency problems like sudden loss of vision, severe pain or redness in the eye, injury to the eye and ulcers. Patients who have undergone an operation recently and need mandatory follow-up will also be seen. In a statement on Friday, the AEH management asked all patients who need routine follow-up or check-up to come to the hospital only after March 31.

“Those with chronic illnesses that require periodical visits like cancer or kidney disease can postpone their next visit to the hospital or try to contact the doctor over phone. Many of the elderly with diabetes and hypertension can also afford to postpone their regular hospital check-ups because they are vulnerable. Only in case of emergency should they come to a hospital,” said a general physician at a private multi-speciality hospital.

While private hospitals have limited attenders, they still see footfall in thousands. Hospitals are a hotbed of infection and even measures like use of hand sanitisers or hand washing may not be enough, added the doctors.