Coronavirus Outbreak: GMC Jammu declared Covid-19 hospital, retired doctors to be hired for underserved areas

The Jammu and Kashmir administration on Tuesday declared the Government Medical College (GMC), Jammu, as dedicated COVID-19 hospital and approved the hiring of retired doctors for emergency services in underserved areas. A lot of medical colleges and schools are being converted into quarantine facilities and hospitals to treat the large number of patients who have been tested positive for the virus. The coronavirus pandemic is spreading rapidly in our country, with more than 500 positive cases recorded in India as of today.

The decision was taken by the Administrative Council, headed by Lt Governor G C Murmu, at a meeting convened to review the steps being taken to contain the spread of the coronavirus in the Union Territory, an official spokesman said.

The Council also noted that there were a number of underserved areas facing acute shortage of doctors.

In order to mitigate the problem, it approved the hiring of retired doctors against available vacancies for one year for emergency services in underserved areas, the spokesman said.

He said the meeting directed the Health Department to review the availability of all equipment including ventilators and procure additional equipment as required on a war footing.

Regarding interdistrict operations, the council directed that all movement be strictly restricted and regulated.

It was also decided that passes for vehicles of essential services personnel shall be issued as required, he said.

He said the meeting also directed the SRTC and State Motor Garages to undertake fumigation of their vehicles to ensure all cleanliness of their fleets and prevent any spread of infection.