In a significant move, Union Health Ministry on Saturday issued directives to all states and Union Territories (UTs) that Covid positive report will no longer be mandatory for patients in any hospital for admission and no one will be denied admission on any count such as oxygen or essential drugs even if the patient belongs to a different city.
This patient-centric measure aims to ensure prompt, effective and comprehensive treatment of patients suffering from COVID19 and now paves the way for hassle free admission of a suspect case to dedicated ward of any Covid care centres, hospitals across the country.
The new directives direct state and UTs administration that admission to hospital must be based on need and they have to ensure that beds are not occupied by persons who do not need hospitalization.
The Ministry also advised the Chief Secretaries of States and UTs to issue necessary orders and circulars, incorporating the above directions within three days, which shall be enforced till replaced by an appropriate uniform policy.
The Health Ministry has earlier enunciated a policy of setting up three tier health infrastructure for appropriate management of suspect/confirmed COVID-19 cases on April 7 and States, UTs need to adhere on the policy.
