SHILLONG: The Health & Family Welfare department has issued guidelines be followed in all health care facilities in the state and by all health care workers performing duties at the forefront.
The government has directed the hospitals to activate the Hospital Infection Control Committee (HICC). The HICC is responsible for implementing infection prevention and control (IPC) activities and organising regular training on it for health care workers.
A nodal officer for IPC (Infection Control Officer) shall be identified by each hospital to address all matters related to health care associated infections (HAIs) The health care workers in different settings of hospitals must use PPEs appropriate to their risk profiles as detailed in the guidelines issued by this Ministry (available at: https://www. mohfw. gov.in/pdf/Guidelinesonra-tionaluseofPers-onalProtective-Equip-ment.pdf)
Furthermore, all health care workers have to undergo training on IPC and have to be aware of common signs and symptoms, need for self-health monitoring and need for prompt reporting of such symptoms.
Provisions have been made for regular (thermal) screening of all hospital staff.
All health care workers managing COVID-19 cases may be provided with chemo-prophylaxis under medical supervision.
Provisions have been made for prompt reporting of breach of PPE by the hospital staff and follow up action.
Action for health care workers
The guidelines stipulate that all preventive measures like frequent washing of hands/use of alcohol-based hand sanitiser, respiratory etiquettes (using tissue/handkerchief while coughing or sneezing) and others are followed at all times.
The health worker must use appropriate PPE at all times while on duty.
Any breach in PPE and exposure is to be immediately informed to the nodal officer/HoD of the department.
HCWs after leaving the patient care units (wards/OPDs/ICUs) at the doctor’s duty rooms/hostels/canteen or outside the HCF must follow social distancing and wear mask to prevent transmission to/acquiring infection from other HCWs who may be positive.
Pregnant/lactating mothers and immune – compromised health care workers shall inform their medical condition to the hospital authorities for them to get posted only in non-COVID areas.
