GMC Srinagar appoints MBBS grads for COVID duties as infected healthcare workers surge

Srinagar: With the steep rise in the infected healthcare workers at Government Medical College Srinagar, the college has now moved to immediate appointment of MBBS undergraduates to work in the hospital

Covid-19 cases are increasing at a rapid rate infecting more than 40 doctors and paramedics in a single day. Considering the situation today, the Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar instructed all the MBBS UG students for Covid-19 mitigation.

Yesterday, the head of the Department of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar Dr. Muhammad Salim Khan tweeted "Omicron is spreading very very fast: 46 doctors, 22 MBBS students, 15 paramedics tested COVID Positive in 1 day in GMC Srinagar & Assisted Hospitals. The total count goes up to 546 since 1st Jan this year,"

The doctors, students, and paramedics who tested positive for Covid-19 have mild symptoms and are in isolation. Dr Khan urged the rest to follow Covid-19 protocols, avoid social gatherings and maintain social distance and visit the hospital only in case of emergency situations.

"145 doctors, 130 MBBS students & 130 paramedics tested positive for COVID in GMC Srinagar associated hospitals since 1st Jan 2022" he added.

Running short of staff to perform duties, the medical college and hospital is now looking upto to its MBBS graduates for performing the job. The National Health Mission (NHM) approved the GMC decision of deputing the medical undergraduates, reports TOI.

40 undergraduates have been engaged for 3 months and will be paid Rs 22,000/- per month as remuneration for their duties. Those undergraduates have been directed to report to the HOD Chest Medicine. As per reports, today 7 employees from various departments have tested positive and are being transferred to the Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry.

"A similar measure was also taken last year where the MBBS students in their final year were deputed to mitigate the COVID-19 situation across hospitals and with the same kind of situation currently, the step has been taken," the official said.