RML Doctors object to govt guidelines scrapping quarantine after COVID-19 duties, write to DGHS

Pointing out that this decision could lead towards the further spread of the virus, the doctors have requested the DGHS to reevaluate the decision of giving no quarantine leaves to doctors after covid duties.

The letter referred to the recent notification published by the Ministry of Health on 09/01/2022 which mentioned about giving no quarantine after Covid duties.

"This scrapping of quarantine after Covid duties lead to spread to infection to the hospital staffs, healthcare workers and to their families thus the chain of transmission wouldn't be broken and ultimately lead to more & more spread of infection thus leading to shortage of adequate manpower," mentioned the letter.

Also Read: Union Health Ministry updates home isolation rules: Quarantine period cut to 7 days

"RDA RML on behalf of residents request you to kindly reconsider the decision of scrapping the quarantine period after covid duties as its very essential to break the chain of transmission and provide at least 7 days of quarantine to the residents working in the covid duties," the letter added.

Speaking to Medical Dialogues regarding the matter, Dr. Sarvesh Pandey, Joint Secretary of RDA RML said, "Due to this no quarantine policy, we could be carriers and infect our family members who might have diabetes or any other kind of comorbidities."

"Only those who test positive knows what kind of physical and mental weakness they suffer from. So, 'no quarantine' means further spread of the virus and risking the health of those who are vulnerable," he added.

"Another thing that one needs to keep in mind is that there is no scientific proof regarding this new strain of the virus. It can also be severe, there is no guarantee. So, a minimum of seven days as quarantine leave is the necessity for breaking the chain of infections," he further mentioned.

Also Read: IMA demands 8 hours COVID duty time, quarantine for doctors during Omicron