KATHMANDU, July 30: On Sunday, a staffer from a private company visited the Sanepa-based Star Hospital for COVID-19 test. The staffer tested positive. As the staffer tested positive, 16 more staffers of the company visited the hospital the next day for testing. Of them, five tested positive.The staffer tested positive. As the staffer tested positive, 16 more staffers of the company visited the hospital the next day for testing. Of them, five tested positive.

Although six were positive for COVID-19, the hospital management is reluctant to test the medics handling the patients, claimed several staffers at Star Hospital. "We [medics handling those staffers] have been requesting the hospital management to test us. Even after several requests, the management has been reluctant," a medic at the hospital, told Republica, on the condition of anonymity.

"We have been exposed to the infected patients, but the hospital does not want to test us through the PCR method," the medic added. 

"I go home every day. My family members come in contact with me. All of my family members are at risk," said another medic at the hospital.

Although the hospital collects swab samples on its college premises, COVID-19 suspects directly come to the hospital building to seek recommendation from the doctor for testing. "In the last few days, the number of people coming for COVID-19 testing has increased. Although there is an increase in the inflow of patients, the hospital has been reluctant in adopting "precautionary measures," said a medic.

"I came in contact with the infected. Let alone testing, I was not even asked to stay home for 14 days. I come to the hospital regularly for work. Knowingly or unknowingly, I have put many of my friends and family members at risk," said the medic, adding that the negligence of the hospital is risking the lives of many.

The medic also claimed that the management has been breaching the testing protocol of the Ministry of Health and Population. 

When Republica contacted the hospital, the administration denied the allegations against the management. "We have been testing our staffers regularly. The swab samples are collected in a separate building, and we are following all the safety measures," Shail Rupakheti, managing director at the hospital, told Republica.

"Some medics might not be happy with the management, so they made up stuff and went to the media," he added.

 
• COVID-19
 
• coronavirus
 
• Star_Hospital