Dimapur, Aug. 19 (EMN): Responding to social media report ‘A story of distress from Heningkunglwa village,’ the Christian Institute of Health Science and Research (CIHSR) has clarified misperception, interpretation and misrepresentation of events caused by recent WhatsApp message and YouTube video.
In a clarification, the CIHSR medical superintendent stated that the patient tested positive with a rapid antigen test from Zion Hospital on July 23 and was referred to CIHSR. It stated that the patient was presented with severe breathlessness with respiratory rate of 52/mn (normal 14-16/min), oxygen saturation of 69% in room air (normal oxygen level is more than 95% in room air).
It added that she also had other Covid symptoms such as dry cough, throat irritation and fever. This was further confirmed by an x-ray which showed both lungs pneumonic patches.
In view of the serious condition of the patient, it stated that the emergency doctor discussed the need for Covid ICU admission to the patient party to which they agreed.
On the allegation that family members were not allowed to see the patient, it clarified that visitors are discouraged to meet Covid patients inside Covid ICU/ward for their safety. It, however, stated that the patient’s party were allowed to meet the patient as per their request.
On forced nasogastric tube feeding and not allowing solid food, CIHSR stated that the patient had to be put on continuous face mask ventilator (non-invasive ventilator) due to worsening of oxygen level. In this context, it stated that taking solid food by mouth was worsening the oxygen level and therefore she was fed through the nasogastric tube.
On physical restraint (tying of hands), it clarified that physical restraint was applied to prevent pulling out of the oxygen face mask, nasogastric tube and infusion lines.
On keeping snake bite and stroke patients along with Covid positive patients, it stated that both the snake bite and stroke patients were Covid positive on admission. Therefore, they were admitted in the Covid ICU.
While sympathising with the family, who lost their loved one due to Covid-19, CIHSR affirmed that it remained committed to serve the people of Dimapur and Nagaland during this unrelenting pandemic and would strive to improve its services with every passing day.