Gujarat government may revise decision on private lab tests

Kapil Dave & Parth Shastri | TNN | Updated: May 6, 2020, 06:48 IST

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GANDHINAGAR/AHMEDABAD: For many patients, the circular issued by Dr Prakash Vaghela, additional director (health), on May 2 came as a shocker. Dr Vaghela had mentioned that the five labs – four in Ahmedabad and one in Surat – will not be collecting and processing any nasal or throat swabs for Covid-19 tests without permission from health department or chief district health officer (CDHO).
Taking objection to the decision that could impact several medical procedures across Gujarat, various medical associations approached the state department. The doctors argued that precautionary test is a must for the planned surgeries to prevent any infection in the medical staff and the red tape will only delay the medical procedures.
Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (AHNA) on May 4 wrote to Jayanti Ravi, principal secretary (health), for immediate withdrawal of the notification. The letter mentioned, ‘As a part of the clinical protocol established worldwide, it is necessary to do RT-PCR tests on the patients before surgery is done... If it is not done and later the patient tests positive or develops symptoms of Covid-19, the patient will have adverse outcome first, apart from infecting the team of doctors, nurses and paramedical staff who have treated the patient,’ mentioned the letter.
The association argued that the private healthcare will collapse as they will not be able to treat many patients due to delay.
The state health department officials refused to divulge in the reason behind the circular. When contacted, Ravi said that the decision was taken by the high-power committee of Government of Gujarat. “However, after the feedback of issues faced by the private hospitals for non-Covid-19 patients treatment, the decision on precautionary test may be revised after discussion in the committee,” she said.
Dr Mahendra Narwariya, city-based bariatric surgeon, said that the decision should be revoked in the favour of the patients awaiting treatment.
A spokesperson of Apollo Hospital said that it is important that the interest of the patients is also taken into consideration while formulating the guidelines. The process of the approval for tests shall be objective and shall be expedited, mentioned the statement.
A spokesperson of Apollo Hospital said that it is important that the interest of the patients is also taken into consideration while formulating the guidelines. The process of the approval for tests shall be objective and shall be expedited, mentioned the statement.
The pre-surgery Covid-19 test is necessary not only for the patient’s safety but also for the treating doctors and nursing staff. Stopping the private labs from carrying out Covid-19 test without government permission will delay medical procedures. We have already made a representation to the state government.