Apollo Clinic Launches Safe OPD with Strict Protocol

Pune:  With the number of COVID-19 cases increasing by the day, social distancing is the only way to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Pune’s Apollo Clinic has taken a further step in this direction, by launching a Safe OPD with adequate COVID-19 safety protocol for addressing patients.

Keeping in mind that some COVID-19 cases are asymptomatic, Apollo Clinic maintains proper infrastructure and facilities to minimise the spread of COVID-19. The clinic has established a strict protocol to be followed by both doctors and patients and monitored regularly. The patients will have to pre-book their appointments through phone and will be given a time slot wherein they will have to visit the doctor.

Apollo Clinic is strictly adhering to COVID-19 prevention protocols for the safety of its patients. Sanitisation and screening, including temperature checks with thermal guns, is done for all staff and visitors at the entrance. Minimum 3 feet of physical distancing is ensured. Other mandatory practices include frequent handwashing and sanitisation of patient files/cards, etc., before and after handover. It’s mandatory for all hospital staff to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Bio-medical waste is collected in the allocated disposable bags and disposed safely. The entire premises are regularly sanitised and disinfected through deep cleaning and scrubbing. The aim of these protocols is to help patients get back on track, and keep COVID-19 at bay .

Dr. Mukesh Budhwani, a General Physician and Diabetologist at Apollo Clinic, Pune, says, “Patients suffering from diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are at a higher risk of COVID-19 infection due to their low immunity. Also, the course of the disease can be more severe in the case of elderly people, resulting in higher mortality.” 

Dr. Anshul Sethi, a Paediatrician at Apollo Clinic, Pune, says, “A parent’s priority is to always keep their children safe and even more so during the COVID-19 crisis. Fever and cough are common symptoms of COVID-19; shortness of breath is a symptom more likely to be experienced by adults. Children affected by COVID-19 may have pneumonia, with or without obvious symptoms. They may also have a sore throat, excessive fatigue, or diarrhoea. Parents should stay alert if their child is diagnosed with, or shows signs of, the disease.”

Dr. Budhwani says, “Apollo Clinic, with its state-of-the-art facilities, is committed to serving patients and providing world-class medical services based on the best healthcare management practices. Since our OPD services have resumed, patients will be able to continue experiencing the finest healthcare."

Safety Measures taken by Apollo Clinic

·         Disinfection of all surfaces

·         Enforced hand-sanitisation protocols

·         Pre-treatment patient screening

·         Recording of medical and travel history

·         Temperature reading

·         Use of global standard PPE – gloves, face mask, cap, and shoe covers

·         Responsible disposal of bio-medical waste

·         Periodic clinical audits to ensure 100% adherence to the protocols