PGIMER Administration is fully conscious of its responsibility towards the health, safety and security of its workforce. However, in view of some of the issues flagged by Mr.Ashwani Kumar Munjal, President, PGI Employees Union (Non Faculty), it is extremely vital to share the correct information in this context and put things in perspective to allay the fears and misconceptions being spread due to these false claims.
The point wise response from PGIMER Administration is as under:
1. Highly Poor Risk Assessment of contacts of positive cases. Further, HoD forcing contacts to continue duties and not timely sending them for Risk Assessment.
The institute has formed an institute risk assessment committee that includes a senior Professor from School of Public Health. She has been 24×7 available for the service and it is the result of her tireless efforts that the incidence of COVID 19 is comparatively low.
2. No care or look after of positive cases under Home Quarantine. No call is made and no treatment is prescribed, no status is taken.
Very few cases of PGI staff have been home quarantined and most of them have been treated in NHE and other wards designated for the staff. The requisite treatment has been provided on case to case basis.
3.No or rare sanitization of areas where Staff has been tested positive, work continuing without sanitization in absence of uniform guidelines.
The institute has a dedicated team of health care workers with proper equipment for sanitizing the areas. The areas are sanitized periodically and on demand from time to time as per the Guidelines issued by MoH&FW, GoI .
4. 50% staff strength policy not applied and Staff doing duties in small and poorly ventilated rooms, inspite of fact that workload is less.
The institute has applied the policy of 50% strength wherever and whenever possible. It is pertinent to mention that PGIMER is a tertiary card health echelon catering the need of neighbouring states. So, the citizens of this country have a very high expectations from the institute not only for care & treatment of COVID 19 and prevalent ailments but also in the R & D of COVID 19 vaccine which requires highly skilled and committed man power.
5. PGI forcibly deducting Earned Leave or salary of Home Quarantine Staff as such Staff is hiding facts from Risk Assessment Team.
PGIMER administration is executing the leave policy as per the Guidelines of MoH&FW issued time to time and as per the existing Civil Services Rules.
6. Staff hiding symptoms and continuing duties, either for threat or pressure of HoD or for fear of salary / earned leave for pre testing period.
These are baseless and bizarre allegations. However, if the individual decides to compromise his own as well as his family’s health and safety by hiding the symptoms, the Administration will not be able to help much.
7. Harassment of Staff by CD Ward and ATC for getting COVID19 test for self and family members.
There are two aspects to the same story. It could be that CD Ward and ATC Staff is over worked and expect more patience and compassion from their own PGI team members rather than over reaction at the slightest delay. It is mutual, respect only begets respect.
8. No separate screening facility for more than 15000 staff, students and their family members.
The institute has a separate team for training the health care workers and they have been well informed about the symptoms, testing, quarantine policy potential transmission etc.
9. Shortage of accommodations for Staff on COVID-19 duties in NHE CD Ward or Triage etc.
10. Quarantine Doctors and Students is hostels making rampant violations spreading Coronavirus, no check and vigilance.
The Administration has ensured proper accommodation for staff on COVID-19 duties and there has not been any compromise on this front till date.
The institute us providing accommodation to the on duty staff in Parkview Hotel and in Inosys on its cost. No charges are being taken for accommodation, food, transport etc. The facilities are managed by senior faculty member who ensure discipline among the occupants.
11. No strict vigilance for adopting safety and protective measures while on duty.
The staff is under the continuous vigil of CCTV cameras installed at the key important points of Nehru Hospital Extension. Any breach in the safety protocols and protective measures during the duty are promptly addressed as per the existing procedures.
12. Victimization of whistle-blowers raising voice against shortcomings and violations of MHA and MHFW guidelines.
All the Guidelines of MHA and MoH&FW are implemented in letter and spirit in the institute.
13. Staff holding birthday and other parties under the nose of HoDs.
Such activities if any reported are dealt as per the Civil Service Rules.
