Did Government Medical College and Hospital flout norms by handing over bodies of Covid victims to kin? – ET HealthWorld

As the deaths were not reported, it becomes clear that the GMCH handed over bodies of the Covid victims to the families in violation of norms. To prevent further spread of the infection, the NMC’s health and sanitation department has been performing last rites of Covid deceased in the presence of family members.

The department had received only one call from the medical college last month regarding Covid cremation. The deceased was from outside district, yet the last rites were performed in the city under NMC officials’ monitoring. On June 26, TOI reported how the GMCH administration failed to report four Covid deaths, which probably took place this month as per the sample information.

Sunday being a holiday, the GMCH officials informed NMC chief medical officer Dr Narendra Bahirwar that they would trace the case histories, if any, on Monday.

Sources said initially the GMCH officials denied that the Covid positive samples belonged to the deceased patients. The Covid ward doctors too said no death of a positive patient took place in May and June. “Only a few patients are admitted here right now. The in-patient numbers in Covid ward have been quite low for the last couple of months. Most are recovering early,” said officials.

“One patient was brought dead after being referred from a private hospital in the city. One woman had passed away last month. Probably, the Covid test result was pending and the body was handed over to the family. Once we have details, we shall take the next step,” said Dr Bahirwar.

The NMC has been given names of two deceased patients while information about the other two would become clear once the GMCH discloses the details.

NMC officials said there could also be a possibility that they may not be residents of city and, therefore, not added to Nagpur district’s Covid toll.