SRINAGAR: To cater non-Covid patients, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole, on Tuesday directed owners of private hospitals, diagnostic centers and other health institutions to start normal functioning within a week and warned that any institution found violating the directions regarding the essential services rules, will be strictly dealt with under relevant laws.

He further directed the owners of the Private Health Institute to resume normal functions with 50% staff on weekly roaster at their institutions.

To restrict the movement and ensure health safety, staff should be stationed round the clock at health premises. After completion of one week, remaining 50% staff can join duty, as per the same guidelines.

All doctors, paramedics and other staff will wear mask, hand gloves and eye protection besides maintain Social Distancing norms besides follow health advisories of COVID-19.

Before arriving at private Health Institutions, patients should first book appointment on phone so that to minimize the chances of over-crowding.

“Earmark reception room at main gate where Doctors will screen all patients regarding Corona-virus symptoms properly and if any person is found having COVID-19 symptoms, he/she should be immediately referred to COVID-19 hospital. Besides, masks must be distributed to all non-Covid patients before entering the institution”, Div Com directed the owners.

All owners of Health Institutions shall apply for movement passes for their staff to concerned Deputy Commissioners. Concerned CMOs will closely monitor functioning of private health institutions personally and submit report to the Directorate of Health services, in this regard on regular basis.