Non-COVID-19 patients at wits' end in search of treatment amid lockdown

Kolkata: People with different ailments are facing a harrowing time following the closure of clinics and unavailability of doctors in their chambers due to the lockdown imposed to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

"Claiming that social distancing is not being maintained due to rush of patients, doctors have kept their chambers closed in my locality. On Thursday,

my aunty who complained of chest pain was deprived of proper medical aid. We took her to a nearby nursing home which refused to admit her mentioning that it is closed due to

lockdown. She passed away while on her way to a private hospital in Kasba. We want Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to allow doctors to treat patients in their clinics and nursing homes maintaining social distancing.

Otherwise non-COVID-19 patients will die without

treatment," said Md Shoaib Khan, a resident of Park

Circus.

He reiterated that hospitals are refusing to admit patients, including those suffering from cardiac problems, fearing that Coronavirus may infect their doctors and staff. People suffering from various diseases are at their wits' end owing to the same.

"My nephew Shabbir, who used to run Shaina Chicken Corner in Samsul Huda Road, died on Tuesday. He was suffering from Typhoid for a few days. The nearby private hospitals refused to admit him. He died on his way to Belle Vue Clinic," said Rehana Hossain, a resident of Bright Street.

"I agree that private hospitals can't refuse to treat emergencies in the name of protocol. Elective surgeries are being delayed or postponed in view of the pandemic.

We will look into the matter and soon come out with clear guidelines on treatment of other ailments," said a doctor who

is a member of the Indian Medical Association, seeking anonymity.