AIIMS faces staff shortage, discontinues contact tracing of exposed HCWs
The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) has decided to discontinue contact tracing of exposed healthcare workers and quarantine of asymptomatic contacts amid the current COVID-19 situation that has led to insufficient resources and a shortage of staff. Only symptomatic healthcare workers (HCWs) will be tested and only those testing positive will be isolated and managed as per the clinical condition.
The decisions were taken at COVID-19 review meeting on Thursday
The decisions were taken at a COVID-19 review meeting held under the chairmanship of AIIMS Director Dr. Randeep Guleria on Thursday. "In view of the current situation of COVID-19 leading to insufficient resources for contact tracing, and shortage of staff, the risk assessment and contact tracing of exposed HCW and quarantine of asymptomatic contacts should be discontinued," Dr. Guleria said.
Asymptomatic may join work in 10 days from first test
Additionally, symptomatic healthcare workers may be able to join work after a 10-day period from the onset of symptoms provided that they are afebrile for at least the last 24 hours without the use of antipyretics, and symptoms (cough, shortness of breath) have improved. Those who are asymptomatic may join work in 10 days from the date of the first positive test.
'Give 80% residents, 80% faculty members for COVID-19 management'
Amid the surge in COVID-19 patients at the premier facility, Dr. Naveet Wig, the head of the department of medicine at AIIMS, who is also the chairperson of the COVID-19 Task Force, on Wednesday had requested all his colleagues from other departments to provide 80 percent residents for COVID-19 management. Dr. Wig also requested 80 percent of faculty members for the same.
The need for manpower has increased multi-fold
Dr. Wig had said that due to an alarming surge in COVID-19 patients and the opening of multiple COVID-19 facilities in the hospital, the need for manpower has increased multi-fold. "To meet this demand, as directed by the director, you are requested to provide 80 percent of your residents and 80 percent of your faculty members for COVID-19 management," he had said.
Vaccination drive lags due to fear of infection in Delhiites
The week-long lockdown and the surge in COVID-19 cases have Delhiites shuffling out of the queue to get vaccinated, with the turnout witnessing a huge decline. On Tuesday, around 49,500 people were vaccinated, while on Wednesday, over 53,000 people got the jab.
