The COVID-19 pandemic has placed unprecedented strain on the health system and currently the entire focus of the health system is dedicated in COVID-19 preparedness, responsiveness and mitigation activities. Simultaneously delivery of essential services should continue.

Therefore, an advisory from the Directorate of Health & Family Welfare has stated that the NHM shall be responsible for effective delivery of essential services and to mitigate the health risk of the general population, while the directorate will continue to focus on COVID-19 management.

The MD (NHM) shall personally interact with all districts and submit Daily Report on all KPIs by 2.00pm and will designate officials as in-charge district-wise to provide all necessary information.

The MD (NHM) shall personally oversee that on no account delivery of essential healthcare services to the general population shall be compromised.

            In another notification the Department has reminded all District Hospitals to continue delivery of selected services such as OPD and other day care services till such time COVID-19 patients are admitted.

The Hospital Authority shall ensure adequate measures for social distancing and triaging including barriers to prevent intermingling of patients and to avoid overcrowding in conformity with the SOPs issue from time to time. Further, all patients and attendants are to wear face mask at all times while concerned health personnel shall wear appropriate PPEs as per extant SOPs.

(DIPR)