COVID-19: Step test to assess patients’ tolerance level, mobile ICU inaugurated for treatment

On October 30th, Chennai recorded 723 cases and 1047 recoveries. The day also saw 13 deaths.

The Government Medical College Hospital, Omandurar, has devised a method to assess the lung and heart functions of discharged COVID patients. The doctors ask patients to take a six-minute walk. The walk, known as Harvard step-test, assesses the patient’s effort tolerance.

At the outpatient department, patients who had 20% and higher lung involvement over the course of their illness are administered a CT scan of the chest after six weeks of recovery. So, far the hospital has assessed 132 discharged patients and the results have shown 98% recovery of lungs.

An integrated, state-of-the art intensive care mobile unit for COVID treatment was inaugurated at the Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital (KMCH) at a cost of Rs 60 lakh. The facility has 10 beds and can be shifted to any place in the institution.

Source: The Hindu | The New Indian Express

IIT-M to penalise violators of feeding norms for strays

Acting on the complaints on feeding stray dogs on campus, IIT Madras has decided to levy penalty and revoke the accommodation of people who feed the strays outside the specified places and time slots. First-time violation will attract Rs 1000 penalty and a warning memo, while the second instance will lead to a penalty of Rs 2000 and revocation of dog-feeder cards.

A third violation will lead to a fine of Rs 4000 and orders to vacate their accommodation. Entry permits will be cancelled thereafter if non-residents or outsiders are found feeding the strays on campus. 

A permanent committee constituted by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has designated 14 feeding spots. The activity will be monitored by the 15-member Wildlife Monitoring Sub-Committee formed by the educational institution.

Source: The New Indian Express

NGT committee to investigate SWD project along ECR

Even as the corporation is confident that the ongoing stormwater drain (SWD) will prevent floods along ECR, the NGT has formed a committee to investigate the ongoing project.

Representatives from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), IIT-Madras, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and officials from other government departments will be a part of the expert committee. According to the residents, the SWD will cause damage to the natural aquifer which is present along the shoreline. 

GCC Commissioner G Prakash said that the drain will not damage the road as it would just be taking up 0.69% of the street. The civic body and residents remain divided over the project. While the residents are of the opinion that the project is a needless financial spend, Prakash states that the corporation deploys 76 motors of 3.5 to 40 BHP capacity to clear the area during instances of rain.

Source: The Times of India

Govt hospital to compensate for medical negligence

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has directed the Government Peripheral Hospital, Tondiarpet to settle Rs 1.6 lakh to Jhansi Rani, whose health deteriorated after undergoing a flawed sterilisation operation in 2001. In March this year, Jhansi approached the forum for compensation.

The woman had undergone the procedure at the hospital in 2001 and began experiencing nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite and a nervous disorder after a few years. She had to be admitted at the Government Stanley Hospital in 2017 and the doctors diagnosed a ruptured ectopic pregnancy, a condition where fertilized egg implants itself outside the uterus.

Jhansi was later shifted to Royapuram Government Hospital and was recommended an emergency operation to save her life. 

Source: The News Minute

Smart poles to safeguard women and children

In a bid to provide protection for women and children in the city, GCC plans to invest in smart poles in 1,600 spots that will alert the nearest police station and emit a loud whistle when the button is pressed by anyone in danger. The project is estimated to be completed in 2021.

Around Rs 100 crore from the central government’s Nirbhaya fund will be granted for this purpose. The corporation and Greater Chennai Police (GCP) have shortlisted hotspots for setting up of the poles. 

The device will have a fisheye camera and CCTVs which will capture the photographs of the miscreant upon activation of the pole. The photos will be transferred to the police station through a dedicated 4G network facility. 

Source: The Times of India

[Compiled by Bhavani Prabhakar]