Govt must stay away from poking its nose in clinical decisions: AHNA president on Remdesivir in Home-Care

Ahmedabad: Speaking on the grave issue of non-availability of Remdesivir and red-tape involved, Dr. Bharat Gadhvi, President of Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Home Association (AHNA) today in strong words slammed interference of non-medical people siting in the government in medical field.

Dr. Gadhvi said, ‘it has been seen that many decisions are taken by non-medical persons which create so many issues. The government must not issue threats to doctors that if they don’t use Remdesivir injections properly they will face action. The government must stay away from poking its nose in clinical decisions. Those treating the patients better know who should be given Remdesivir and who should be not. Doctors need no advise, suggestions and threat. They prescribe Remdesivir only to those who require it. The Government should arrange a system that those who are in need, get Remdesivir. The government should play a role of facilitator and not authoritator.’

He said, ‘healthcare sector is playing its role. The government should see how the doctors can focus on treatment part without worries regarding supply of injections. It is believed that home-care patients are mild patients only, but that is not always the case. There are the patients who actually require hospitalization but they are into home-care due to non-availability of beds. There’s shortage of ICU beds so as ventilator attached beds. Every since Covid19 pandemic started, the overall covid management it seems has been handled by government officials. We have heard some government officials telling doctors that they possess same knowledge as the doctors. Only ignorant people can boast like this. Medical related issues and decisions should be left for medical field persons.’

He further said, ‘those who require hospitalization but taking home-care because there are no beds, those who require Remdesivir as per the protocol, they should be given Remdesivir. The government must not decide which patient should be given it. The doctors are intelligent, they are experienced, they know who should be given and who should not. The portion of of treatment should be left to doctors. They know who should be given which injection to whom. They are aware about their responsibility.’

Dr. Gadhvi suggested that there should be an Oxygen bank at city/taluka level with 300-500 cylinder from where hospitals can order oxygen, especially during nights when refilling is refused by distributors or vehicles can’t be reached. There should be also a 24 by 7 call centre for the needs of oxygen. DeshGujarat