The RIMS Junior Doctors’ Association on Saturday demanded the closure of the outpatients’ department (OPD) as a preventive step against novel coronavirus. In exchange, they have expressed their willingness to work against the spread of the virus and for its detection.
The doctors’ association sent a letter to this effect to RIMS superintendent Dr Vivek Kashyap. A copy of the letter is available with The Telegraph.
Association president Dr Ajit Kumar said their demand was in the larger interest of society. “Closure of the OPD will help reduce crowds and prevent spread of viral infection. Emergency services are open round the clock and so are indoor services. Closure of the OPD for some time won’t have any major impact,” he said.
Kumar added: “Apart from this, junior doctors are always ready to work for the treatment of coronavirus related cases and for that we have demanded masks and other security kits, which so far has not been provided.”
RIMS director Dr D.K. Singh said a decision on this had not been taken. “Opinion is being taken from the health department,” he said.
A senior doctor said the demand was not justified. “If the OPD is closed, most junior doctors will stop coming to RIMS and the problem of doctor crunch will get serious. This apart, a wrong message will be sent to society as RIMS is the only state-run super specialty hospital in Jharkhand,” he said, requesting anonymity.
