AMC not testing my elderly parents, says Covid +ve man

Bapunagar resident undergoing Covid treatment at SVP hospital, claims his 85-year-old dad and 80-year-old mom, both with comorbid conditions cannot visit hospital to be tested

A 47-year-old Bapunagar resident who is undergoing treatment for Covid-19 at SVP hospital is worried for his 85-year-old father and his 80-year-old mother who
have comorbid conditions.

Manish Shah had high fever, so he got himself admitted at SVP hospital on May 25. The next day his test report was positive. While he is undergoing treatment, his parents who are having medical issues are yet to be tested.

The family claims they had called multiple times on AMC and the government’s helpline numbers – 104 and 155303 – but no one came to test the old couple for Covid-19 till date.

“It has been 14 days from the time my mama (maternal uncle) tested positive. We had called AMC the same day to look into my nana-nani’s (grandfather and grandmother) health issues and test them for Covid but they (AMC) are insisting that they must get admitted to get them tested for Covid,” said Bhumi Shah, their granddaughter.

She added, “My nana-nani initially suffered from diarrhoea. They were in direct contact with my mama when he had fever. Moreover, nana is on nebuliser and he
can’t even walk. Likewise, nani has high blood pressure and vertigo issues. In such comorbid conditions, how can they go to a hospital for the test?”

Bhumi also informed Mirror that if they knew their Covid status, they can go and stay with them as they are finding it difficult to cook food. Currently, they are surviving on food supplied by us and sometimes the neighbours help them.

Also, a nurse comes from AMC to know their status and gives them antibiotics, which doesn’t seem right for their health, she said.

According to Manish Shah, an AMC team must visit his home and test his parents and if their report is positive then they must be moved to a Covid hospital. “I would request AMC to please visit my home and test them because there are chances they may catch infection if they visit hospital,” he said.

AMC’s health officer Dr Bhavin Solanki said, “We test everyone who seeks help by calling 104. Ideally, one needs to be admitted to get tested. However, as briefed, considering the health condition of the old couple we will send a team to test them.”

If the helpline does not respond to their calls, they can get in touch with the zonal deputy health officer for help, Dr Solanki said.

However, the old couple continues to await their tests.

“Meanwhile, another uncle of mine who lives in Vasna and had come in contact with Manish mama, is also symptomatic and the family is in the process of admitting him for Covid test. Then why is the old couple’s health being ignored by AMC,” asked Bhumi.