Coronavirus fallout: Pvt hospitals see spike in patients with common cold

A large number of patients are stressing to take medication for even a mild fever and cough, said doctors. Dr V Ramasubramanian, Senior consultant, Dept of Infectious Diseases, Apollo Hospitals said patients want to ensure that they take all precautions to prevent infection. The number of patients coming in for infectious diseases has increased by at least 20 per cent on the past two weeks.

Private doctors said that there is no reason to panic but every reason to take precautions. A spike in the number of patients coming for treatment was seen at Fortis Malar Hospital, Kauvery Hospital and Rainbow Hospitals, too. Hospital authorities from Rainbow Children Hospital said that parents are anxious about their wards’ health.

Responding to the preparedness of private hospitals on nCoronavirus, health secretary Beela Rajesh said that the State Health Department has organised an orientation programme for all private medical practitioners, Indian Medical Association branches, private hospitals and other members of Indian Medical Association to guide them on preventive measures to be followed against prevention of nCoronavirus.