Requirement of a positive coronavirus disease (Covid-19)report is now no longer mandatory for admission to a Covid health facility,Union health ministry said on Saturday.
The ministry's revised national policy for admission ofCovid patients to various categories of Covid facilities mentioned that a"suspect case shall be admitted to the suspect ward of CCC, DCHC or DHC asthe case may be".
"No patient will be refused services on any count.This includes medications such as oxygen or essential drugs even if the patientbelongs to a different city," said the directive which was issued to thestates and Union Territories (UTs).
The patient-centric measure was taken to ensure prompt,effective and comprehensive treatment of patients suffering from Covid 19.
"No patient shall be refused admission on the groundthat he or she is not able to produce a valid identity card that does notbelong to the city where the hospital is located."
Admissions to the hospital must be based on need and itshould be ensured that beds are not occupied by persons who do not needhospitalization, it further said.
Besides, the directive mentioned that the discharge shouldbe strictly in accordance with the revised discharge policy available
Hospitals under the central government, state governmentsand Union Territory administration including private hospitals (in states andUnion Territories) managing Covid patients shall ensure the directive, said thedirective.
The union health ministry has advised the Chief Secretariesof states and UTs to issue necessary orders and circulars, incorporating thedirections within three days, which shall be enforced till replaced by an appropriateuniform policy.
The Health Ministry has earlier enunciated a policy ofsetting up three-tier health infrastructure for appropriate management ofsuspect or confirmed Covid-19 cases.