Covid-19: RGUHS collaborates with ARTIST to strengthen healthcare workers across Karnataka

Bengaluru - The Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) has collaborated with the Bengaluru-based Asian Research & Training Institute for Skill Transfer (ARTIST) to strengthen the preparedness of healthcare workers, including Obstetricians, Gynaecologists, Nursing Staff and Paramedical Staff engaged in maternal and child healthcare across Karnataka.

The high-intensity training program (90-minute module) is being implemented through the Karnataka State Obstetrics and Gynecology Association in the state.

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It covers all aspects related to government and private hospitals, starting from a screening of patients and visitors at the entrance, organising segregation of symptomatic patients, cleaning protocols, rationale use of PPE, protocols for disinfection and reuse, standard operating procedures for labour room and operation theatre, management in wards, discharge and follow-up summary, appointment schedule and telecommunications are covered through a video demonstration, according to a release here on Wednesday.

Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Sacchidanand, Vice-Chancellor, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, said, "All hospitals must follow Covid-19 protocol-based recommended practices and this programme is aimed at training the healthcare workers across the state.

The training material developed by ARTIST is in-line with the guidelines issued by the Government of India, Government of Karnataka, Indian Council for Medical Research and WHO.

This training programme will go a long way in creating awareness among healthcare workers, improving the preparedness of the hospitals apart from boosting the employees' confidence."

Online training courses are being conducted every day in batches by the ARTIST team, led by healthcare leader and well-known gynaecologist Dr Hema Divakar. She said, "It is a fact that Covid-19 has had an unimaginable impact on various sectors, including healthcare.

There is a dire need for all of us to be well-prepared.

However, not all healthcare workers are aware of Covid-19 protocol-based recommended practices in antenatal care, safe delivery, newborn care, immunization and hospital maintenance.

Therefore, we have launched this programme for effective knowledge sharing and skill transfer to Obstetricians, Gynaecologists, Nursing Staff, Paramedical Staff and Housekeeping Staff engaged in maternal and child healthcare."

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