Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Mar 24: Reacting on a viral audio, about the functioning of district government Wenlock Hospital, MP Nalin Kumar Kateel on Tuesday, March 24, said that he has visited the hospital and taken stock of the situation. He also informed that he has started a coronavirus helpdesk at his office. 

Speaking exclusively to Daijiworld, he said, “I heard the audio which went viral and visited the hospital. There are some loopholes and I have instructed to clear them. Wenlock Hospital is ready to provide all facilities. We have to give confidence to doctors and nurses. We also assure their safety.

Nalin Kumar Kateel

Ayush building

“Self-isolation is a must to tackle coronavirus. The district administration has made all arrangement in providing service. Being concerned about suspected coronavirus patients, the district administration has taken all types of preventive measures to avoid the spreading of the virus. If anyone has any symptoms, we urge them voluntarily come to hospital and get checked.

“Neccassary information about Wenlock Hospital will be given through information department to public and media.

“This is not a time for allegations and finding loopholes. Our attention should be towards medication and prevention of coronavirus. Wenlock Hospital and the district administration are striving hard to tackle coronavirus. We will take necessary action in near future to set everything right.

MP Nalin further informed that he and his team have started a help desk. People can now contact phone numbers 9449088044 and 0824 24448888 for more information.

Speaking to media, Wenlock Hospital medical superintendent Dr H R Rajeshwari Devi said, "We are taking all kind of measures to treat suspected coronavirus affected patients as per A, B and C category. In Ayush block, we have made arrangements of screening, counselling and doctors will test the patients who show symptoms. If we notice any suspicious symptoms, the patients will be taken to isolation ward and if required swab samples will be sent to Hassan or Shivmogga labs for tests. We are making all necessary preparations to construct virology lab in our hospital.

“Coronavirus suspects will be taken to isolation ward and get treated. If individuals are tested negative, they will be advised home quarantine with some rules. If they are tested positive, then the patient will be categorized under mild, moderate and severe categories. In case of mild, he will be treated for 14 days in the hospital. Before discharging, two swab tests will be undertaken. Further, if X-rays are clear, then the patient will be discharged with some advisory.

“If the patient falls under the category of moderate and severe, we have made all arrangements in our 250 bed hospital where all facilities are provided. The patients will be treated as per WHO guidelines,” she said.

Regarding the viral audio, Dr Rajeshwari said, "It is false. We are making all arrangements and providing all facilities as per WHO guidelines. Do not pay heed to false rumours and do not spread them. If there is any doubt, one can contact our hospital and get it clarified. Ayush building was not ready to be occupied which delayed the shifting. Hence, we took the challenge and we finished the shifting work on a war footing."