Bambolim: State-run Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) will conduct Rapid Antigen Testing on the patients before they are admitted in the hospital in the wake of rising COVID-19 cases in the state.
Health Minsiter Vishwajit Rane who held meeting of senior GMCH doctors said that the testing would be mandatory before admission in the hospital.
“GMCH has been informed to conduct Rapid Antigen testing of all patients before admission and an RT-PCR test to be done as a second layer of confirmation before surgery,” he said.
Rane said that to ensure smooth functioning of GMCH amid rising cases in the state, all HODs of GMCH are instructed to reduce Out Patient Department (OPD) services to the bare minimum with all non-essential services to be slowed down in a phased manner without affecting the essential and emergency services.
The minister said “with a purpose to define a clear cut treatment protocol to treat COVID-19 cases in the state, it was decided along with the Expert Committee constituted to manage matters related to COVID-19, that treatment protocol will followed in sync with the guidelines proposed by AIIMS and other top medical colleges.”
The minister said that it is also decided to strengthen Plasma Donation Drive in the State.
“ Additionally to ensure patients are served quality food and hygiene protocols are followed, the state of Goa will be roping in Sodexo and Eco-Clean (private companies) to cater to these facilities,” he added.
