ITANAGAR, Oct 5:

The Directorate of Health Services Naharlagun in an order has instructed all health facilities providing services of gynaecologists and having required facilities for the treatment of pregnant women to provide obstetric services irrespective of their COVID-19 status.

However, the order mentioned that facilities must maintain the whole protocol for infection prevention such as PPE for the medical team, and ensure proper disposal of biomedical waste as per guidelines.

“ Referring cases for institutional deliveries/caesarean section to far off dedicated COVID hospital for being COVID positive should be avoided. Any refusal to render services to pregnant women based on their COVID-19 status may be fatal to the baby and the mother as well and shall be construed as medical negligence,” the order read.

The order further stated that CKD patients, irrespective of COVID-19 status shall not be denied dialysis facilities as well as COVID -19 patients should not be refused treatment in the health facility.

“ Wherever required such COVID-19 positive persons shall be given proper guidance and referred to the nearest CC, DCHC or DCH as the case may be,” the order stated.