Mohali
7 April 2020
DIVYA AZAD
Two COVID-19 patients have been successfully treated and discharged from Fortis Hospital, Mohali. Both sisters, 74 years and 69 years were enroute to Kartarpur Sahib for pilgrimage from Ilford, London. While in transit at their Mohali residence, the sisters complained of fever & cough and were tested positive for COVID-19. They were treated at an isolation ward, where they responded well within a few days with negative test results for COVID19 and healthy chest X-ray reports. Still, as per government guidelines, they have been quarantined within the institution for another 14 days.
Dr. Amit Kumar Mandal, Director, Pulmonology, Sleep & Critical Care, Fortis Hospital Mohali said, “At the moment, the therapeutic strategies to deal with COVID19 infection are only supportive, and prevention aimed at reducing transmission in the community is our best weapon. The treatment essentially is symptomatic in the majority of the patients and aimed at relieving fever, cough and shortness of breath. In mild cases, this might simply mean rest and fever-reducing medications such as paracetamol for comfort. Oxygen therapy represents the major treatment intervention for patients with severe infection. Mechanical ventilation may be necessary in cases of respiratory failure refractory to oxygen therapy. Support for other failing organs such as dialysis may also be required. There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19, and no vaccine is currently available. However, in severe cases, a few drugs have been found to be useful in reducing the viral load, leading to improved outcomes”.
Speaking on the preparedness of Fortis to treat COVID19 patients, Abhijit Singh, Zonal Director, Fortis Hospital, Mohali, said, “We are pleased to share that the patients admitted at Fortis Hospital, Mohali, undergoing treatment for COVID19 have been discharged. We are working closely with the local authorities and the healthcare delivery system to effectively combat this pandemic. A “3-tier COVID defence structure” is in place at all Fortis hospitals, with screening, Fever (FLU) Clinics, and in-patient isolation facilities. We are continuously monitoring the situation and will do everything possible to expand bed availability as required. We have also implemented necessary safety protocols to keep our doctors, nurses, other patients, visitors and staff safe.”
Fortis Healthcare, India’s leading healthcare solution provider, has initiated a 360-degree action plan to meet the challenges of treating COVID19 patients with a slew of initiatives. It has set up isolation wards in all its 28 hospitals across the country and a total of 262 beds have been earmarked to treat COVID19 patients. The medical teams at Fortis group are already treating COVID19 positive cases along with suspected cases at various hospitals.
