Home-quarantined advised to buy pulse oximeter, thermal scanner

Home-quarantined advised to buy pulse oximeter, thermal scanner

TNN | Aug 16, 2020, 04.52 AM IST

Thanjavur: District collector M Govinda Rao has instructed Covid-19 positive patients who have opted for home quarantine to have a pulse oximeter and a thermal scanner for their own usage. He also warned medical shops of stringent action if found charging exorbitant prices for the devices.

“People in home quarantine should have one oximeter to monitor their oxygen level being supplied to their brain and a thermal scanner to check body temperature frequently. If they find anything abnormal, they should immediately approach the government hospital for further treatment,” the collector said.

“If anyone is found selling pulse oximeter and thermal scanner at rates higher than the maximum retail price, action will be taken against the concerned medical shops by the district administration,” he warned.

A pulse oximeter costs between Rs 1,800 and Rs 3,000. Few companies are offering up to Rs 2,000 discount on the device. Likewise, a thermal scanner costs between Rs 1,500 and Rs 3,000, sources said.

The district administration has taken various measures to combat the spread of coronavirus in the district. People infected by the virus are sent to isolation wards established in Government Medical College Hospital in Thanjavur for treatment. This apart, three more Covid-19 centres have also been established in Vallam, Annai Engineering College in Kumbakonam, and slum clearance board building in Pattukottai.

As of now, around 100 people are under home quarantine in the district, health officials said.