Inform about Covid symptoms or face action, Surat doctors told

SURAT: Even as the number of Covid-19 cases are decreasing, the Surat district administration is gearing up to tackle a possible third wave.
District collector Aayush Oak has directed all medical practitioners to make a flu corner to screen every patient having suspected Covid-19 symptoms and submit details of such people with the health officials.
The circular issued by the collector warns of legal action against doctors who don’t follow the directive.
Those doctors not adhering to the notification will be booked under IPC section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant) and section 269 (unlawful or negligent act likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life).
The control room of the district health department will monitor the data being submitted by private practitioners that include homeopath and Ayurveda doctors.
“All registered medical practitioners (including allopathic, Ayurveda, homeopath and other practices allowed by AYUSH ministry, Government of India) have to establish a flu corner and details of every patient coming to their clinic, hospital or dispensary should be medically screened and his/her record should be maintained as per format given,” the notification states.
It further states that irrespective of whether the patient mentions symptoms associated with Covid-19 or not, any person having travel history outside the district or body temperature more than 37.7 degree Celsius or pulse rate more than 85 per minute (with clinical correlation) or SPO2 less than 93% should be reported to local health authorities immediately.
All medical practitioners have been instructed to share the information to district surveillance officers through e-mail within 24 hours of screening of patients. The order also authorizes chief district health officer (CDHO) and police officer above the rank of police sub-inspector to take necessary actions.
The collector claimed that the directives issued to set up flu corner are as per the government’s orders. “Every doctor is supposed to follow it strictly. This will help us identify a patient early, treat him and isolate to prevent spread of infection,” Oak told TOI.
“Administration will take legal actions if anyone is found not complying with the orders,” he added.