PTFC-19 demands
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 16 2020: Taking strong exception to the death of a COVID-19 patient at COVID ICU ward of RIMS on August 13, Peoples' Task Force for COVID-19 (PTFC-19) has demanded Government's intervention and clarification from RIMS authority.

Demanding inquiry, PTFC-19 in a statement, said that they have allegedly come across some hints of gross negligence in the ICU ward following the death of the patient (Yumnam Ibungo originally from Mayang Imphal but residing at Sanakeithel Type-2 quarter) .

It was the patient party who first noticed "oxygen gas fail" being displayed on the ventilator monitor on that fateful day, said PTFC-19 said while asking how the technician at the Central Oxygen Supply Room failed to take stock of the oxygen level and supply duration.

Above this, how could doctors and nurses who attended the patient not take note of the worsening condition of the patient and do the needful, the task force asked and added those who were assigned duty at the ward on that day must be well aware of the patient's condition and oxygen required by the patient through oximeter attached to the ventilator.

As per the patient party statement, they were compelled to approach technician at the Central Oxygen Supply room after witnessing signs of lack of adequate oxygen to patients lodged at the ICU and unfortunately, the technician was not found present, PTFC-19 continued.

A COVID patient even did his best to replace oxygen to save others, it said.

Had the doctors, nurses and other staff posted for the night duty been attentive, they should have known the condition of the patient, that the oxygen supply was not helping the patient and there was a requirement of additional treatment.

As dereliction at the ICU is evident, the RIMS authority should conduct an inquiry into the matter, come out with a detailed report to the public and actions against those, if found to have neglected their duty.

The task force does not mean to harm or discourage frontline warriors with this statement, it said while appealing all doctors, nurses, health care workers to play their part wholeheartedly and with full dedication.

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