PANAJI
The Health Department announced its decision to enforce a new prophylaxis treatment protocol for all asymptomatic and symptomatic patients who walk in for Covid testing, except travellers as well as positive cases under home isolation. A leaflet containing the new SOPs is likely to be enforced from Wednesday onwards with the sole intention of reducing the soaring Covid mortality rate in the state.
Speaking about the new SOP, Dean of Goa Medical College and Hospital Dr S M Bandekar said, “This protocol will ensure that the severity of Covid-19 is reduced and you will not get into a critical stage. This has been put together in consultation with senior medical experts from various sectors.”
As per the new Standard Operating Protocol finalised by the government and private medical experts, a prophylaxis treatment protocol has been chalked out for, to begin with, these persons are required to self-isolate and remain indoors till their report is available in an independent room with a separate washroom as far as possible. They are required to check their body temperature and SPO2 (Oxygen saturation through pulse-oximeter) at least thrice a day.
They have been advised to take a six-minute walk test twice a day while noting the oxygen saturation levels. All family members have been advised to eat separately and to wear a face mask at all times. Those who take medications for comorbid conditions like diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, asthma have been told to continue these.
A list of medications has been prescribed to be taken if the patient, who is not pregnant or lactating and is above 15 years of age, turns symptomatic which include paracetamol, doxycycline, ivermectin, betadine gargles thrice daily, steam inhalation as well as multivitamin supplements. A separate list of medications and exercises has been drawn out for children below 15 years of age.
Meanwhile, Health Minister said that the Health Department is attempting to commission at least 150 ICU oxygen beds in the state as well as it is likely to receive the order of five Covid testing machines in the next two to three days.
As far as the vaccination of 18 to 45-year-old citizens is concerned, the state government hinted that it may be unable to open the round from May 1 owing to paucity of supply from the Serum Institute of India.
Speaking on the issue, Director of Health Services Dr Jose D’Sa stated, “The Government of India will be giving only 50 per cent of the quota for Goa which will only be for the 45 years and above category. The rest of the requirements will have to be purchased by the state government. The state government has already placed the order for five lakh doses to cover the category of 18-45 years. But as per the information we have received from the Serum Institute of India, they are not in a position to supply it at present. They have a large commitment to fulfill for the central government. Only after this, they will supply us.”
Dr D’Sa assured that the government will roll out the vaccines for the category of 18-45 years once the doses are made available to us. It was informed that the government is also trying to procure Covaxin.
However, late on Tuesday evening, CM Sawant disclosed that he has discussed the matter with Adar Poonawala, the CEO of Serum Institute of India and has personally requested for timely supply of the five lakh doses of Covishield to Goa on priority basis.
