Amid nationwide lockdown to fight coronavirus outbreak, Uttar Pradesh government has assured pregnant women of the state of all kind of medical support – from a prenatal check-up to delivery of a baby. To ensure this, all medical units in the state have been asked to restore essential emergency health services.
Principal Secretary Health Amit Mohan Prasad has directed District Magistrate (DM) and Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to make proper arrangements for the testing of COVID-19 patients and pregnant women.
“There should be a proper arrangement to care of the newborn children and all necessary steps should be taken to prevent the spread of coronavirus pandemic,” Prasad said.
A detailed guideline has already been issued by the Uttar Pradesh government.
According to the guideline, all hospitals have been asked to prepare the “COVID Labour Room” adjacent to isolation wards and “COVID OT” for C-section (caesarean) at all district women’s hospital.
Proper care should be taken at these places and the PPE (Personal Protection Equipment), disinfection, and disposal of bio-medical waste should be carried out in accordance with the norms. All staff should also be trained in transition, its prevention, and control procedures.
In addition to this, the “COVID Labour room” should be prepared at all CHC (community health centres) and FRU (first referral unit).
The guideline issued by the state government clearly states that if a pregnant woman with coronavirus symptoms or coronavirus positive pregnant woman comes to the CHC-FRU with labour pain, medical representatives should get the delivery done while taking all precautions.
Meanwhile, the Yogi government has given its approval to the proposal that the first test for COVID-19 in any private lab will cost a maximum of Rs 2,500. Earlier, private laboratories were charging over Rs 4,000 for it.
