Make optimal use of ventilators for Covid, non-Covid sick patients: Div Com (K)

Srinagar|: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole Tuesday chaired a meeting regarding status and functioning of ICUs and referral of sick patients in all health institutions of Kashmir Division.
The meeting was attended by Principal GMC Srinagar Prof. Samiya Rashid, Director Health Services Kashmir Dr. Mustaq Ahmad Rather, Incharge DCCRK Tahir Ahmad Magray, Epidemiologist Kashmir Dr. Talat jabeen, HoDs of Anesthesia SKIMS Soura, SKIMS Bemina, GMC Srinagar, Anantnag & Baramulla; MS SKIMS Soura, SMHS, GB Panth, GMC Srinagar, Anantnag & Baramulla, DRDO Khonmoh; Medical Superintendents of all District Hospitals and Public Health Experts of DCCR Kashmir.
During the meeting, Div Com reviewed the status of invasive and non invasive ventilators in every district besides allocation of ventilators for covid and non covid patients.
On the occasion, Div Com directed all officers present to put all the ventilators in use and stop undue referral to tertiary hospitals which will ease not only the load on these hospitals but simultaneously will not let the patients become more critical during golden hours in transit.
He directed them that referral should be last option and patients should be referred only when it is beyond the capacity of available resources.
He took serious note of non utilization of ventilators in districts since 1st November 2021. He warned District Health Authorities for stern administrative action will follow against those officers who shall be found under utilizing these life saving ventilators for daily use for patients.
Besides, he cautioned them that new covid variant will not give time for preparation, so all the district hospitals, covid dedicated hospitals and tertiary hospitals need to be ready for any eventuality that can take place if we will not keep our last resort functional viz Ventilators in these testing times of pandemic.
Meanwhile, he directed the preparation of proposal with the help of technical expert for physical and financial modalities for installation of central heating system in covid wards and hospitals. At the same time he directed DHSK and Principals of GMCs to install Split ACs in these hospitals where they may have to install Invasive/ Non invasive Ventilators
He also directed concerned officers to provide status of PM CARE supplied ventilators which needs technical repairation.
He also directed deployment of staff by the district hospitals for training at GMC, Srinagar and JLNM Hospital Sgr for capacity building trainings in ICUs and Critical Care for Doctors and Paramedics of Kashmir division so that their services are better utilized in this ongoing pandemic