Punjab government has decided to make the plasma bank accessible to private hospitals, too. Accepting the demand by private hospitals, the government will now provide plasma at an operational cost of Rs 20,000 per unit to them for the COVID-19 patients there. The patients lodged in government facilities will, however, get it for free. A notification in this regard has been issued by the Department of Medical Education and Research.
The state, under the ongoing 'Mission Fateh', started its first plasma bank in Patiala on July 21 and there has been a demand since to make the same accessible to the private hospitals.
The decision comes as a relief, as Punjab recorded its highest ever single-day spike of 534 cases and 15 new deaths, today. Ludhiana reported the highest—five deaths and 95 cases. The district has so far reported 59 COVID-19 deaths and has reported a three-day waiting at the local cremation ground. The crematorium earmarked for COVID-19 victims and equipped with LPG cremation facilities, claimed to be booked till July 29. Families are putting down the names of the deceased in the waiting list. Sources claim that mortal remains of over 30 victims have not been collected by families amidst COVID-19 fears in Ludhiana.
Patiala, Jalandhar and Ludhiana continue to be the COVID-19 hotbeds, contributing to almost 50 per cent of total active cases of 4,102. Hoshiarpur, today, reported 42 new cases, which includes 19 paratroopers of BSF.
Meanwhile, reacting to the alleged refusal by a section of rural doctors to perform COVID-19 duties, the state government has threatened disciplinary action against them. In a letter sent to all deputy commissioners, Anurag Aggarwal, additional secretary health and family welfare, all districts have been asked to ensure rural doctors perform the duties assigned to them for containment and management of coronavirus. Those not doing the same should be asked for valid explanations and necessary action should be initiated. It may be noted that the services of doctors working under rural development and panchayat department have been shifted to the health department. The doctors are objecting to the same and are threatening not to perform COVID-19 duties.
