Delay in results at Gudiyattam GH ups risk

Vellore

The residents cited two cases where it took nearly five days for the test results to reach the patients, by which time they could have infected who came in touch with them. In the first instance, a 25-year-old pregnant woman got herself tested at Gudiyattam government hospital on June 24. But the result reached her only on June 29 and was admitted to Vellore Government Medical College Hospital the next day.

“Meanwhile, she participated in a family function where she could have infected others,” said a neighbour. In the second case, a 53-year-old woman was tested at Gudiyattam GH on June 24. As she stayed at home waiting for the result, her health worsened. She then went to CMC Hospital where she was tested positive and was admitted on June 29. “The result from the GH reached her only the next day,” sources said.

While Gudiyattam GH doctors were not available for comment, Health officials said only those tested by home surveillance teams and those with travel histories were quarantined in the hospital. “Others testing themselves in the OP are advised isolation at home, which is rarely obeyed,” admitted an official.

Similarly, though the number of designated ambulances were increased to seven from three, it does not seem to be enough. Three vehicles are used to take recovered patients back to their homes, officials said.

Refusing to comment on the availability, officials said patients decided where they wanted to be treated – either Vellore medical college hospital or CMC Hospital. If it is the latter, they would inform CMCH authorities, who would then contact the patient regarding transport. However, CMCH officials said they had no ambulances, adding that patients had to hire them on their own.