More NBMCH health workers test positive Fresh cases include NBMCH principal, some other doctors

SNS, SILIGURI, 5 JANUARY 2022: Over 30 more health workers have tested positive for Covid-19 at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital (NBMCH) in Siliguri. The fresh cases include NBMCH principal Prof Indrajit Saha and many more doctors, sources said. The health department has asked health care activists to strictly adhere to the Covid-19 protocol while treating patients, following the surge in the cases among the medical fraternity.

NBMCH authorities, however, said only 28 more health workers had been tested positive. Sources said the new cases included four faculties too.

"According to the test reports received yesterday, 28 more persons, including students, nursing staff and workers in some other categories, have tested positive for Covid -19, said NBMCH superintendent Dr Sanjay Mallik. Dr Mallik said the rise in infections was a matter of concern.

"It is a matter of concern, as in order to run a health care system not only doctors but para-medical staff and nurses are always required. If the infection rate goes up like this, it will give rise to concerns. A large number of healthcare workers who perform duties in the ward are alright," he said.

According to official figures, 19 healthcare workers-14 MBBS students, three nursing staff and two from the pharmacy department- had tested Covid-positive at the NBMCH. Those testing positive have been asked to get admission in Covid blocks there for close monitoring, while a section of students is in isolation of awing of the hostel.

According to principal, Prof Indrajit Saha, they have asked other students and nursing staff, who came in contact with the Covid-positive persons, to undergo tests. Prof Saha said students who did not come in contact (to the persons and did not develop any symptoms had been requested to vacate the hostels. "Offline classes are not taking place so they can attend the online classes back from their homes," he said before his test reports arrived late in the evening today.

Meanwhile, the health department has stressed on doctors following Covid protocols. "We have held a meeting to review the situation and directed all health workers to properly follow the Covid-appropriate behaviour when treating patients We had detailed discussions and are closely monitoring the situation," said the Darjeeling district chief medical officer of health Dr Tulsi Pramanik.

Health department officials said that there should not be any laxity. Apart from the principal health institute, there are two district hospitals, one sub-divisional hospital and nine block primary health centres in the district.

It is learnt that Prof Saha is doing well and is in home isolation presently.

Yesterday, at least 19 such health workers had tested positive at the region's premier health facility. The Covid cases there come amid reports of a large number of doctors, nurses and health staff, and senior health department officials testing positive for the coronavirus at other places.

According to Dr Mallik, they had adequate bed strength or Covid treatment, while he added that the selected samples will be sent to the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics at Kalyani for genome sequencing.

Officials at the NBMCH have, failed to say how the health workers in such numbers caught the infections at one go.