COVID pandemic has made us change how we live and work. Similar changes needs to be reflected in how doctors run their practice.
We have been asked to incorporate following suggestions given by government agencies and eminent scientists :-

1. Maintain 6 feet distance between 2 patients.
2. All patients have to wear masks and disinfect their hands.
3. Avoid crowding in the clinic.
4. Disinfection of the clinic and surrounding area.
5. Appropriate use of Tele-Consultation for routine follow ups and triaging (The process of determining the priority of patients’ treatments by the severity of their condition or likelihood of recovery with and without treatment.)
6. Triage to separate COVID suspects from Non-COVID patients.
7. Rational use of Personal Protection Equipments.

We also had to take into consideration few practical aspects like

1. Lack of manpower.
2. Lack of Personal Protection Kit and disinfectants.
3. Hike in prices of personal protection kits and disinfectants.
4. Difficulty in wearing, staying and working in Personal Protection Equipments for long.

We are also volunteering at Fever clinics run by Municipal Corporation without any remuneration which needs to be taken into consideration while scheduling our appointment timings.
To incorporate all these new factors, we will be working in following manner for a foreseeable future :-

1. Prior appointment will be mandatory before visiting the clinic. Patients will be given time slots to avoid crowding and exposure to COVID suspects. Patients are expected to adhere to the given appointment slot. Patients are expected to provide true information about their current medical condition. False information will put their own, their families and their doctor’s health at risk.
2. No walk-ins or patients without appointment will be seen.
3. All patients will have to maintain 6 feet distance between each other and with the doctor at all times while in the clinic and in the adjoining area. Those who won’t follow this cardinal rule will not be given any service and will be asked to leave the premises.
4. Only one person will be allowed entry into the Doctor’s chamber. In case of a paediatric patient, only one parent can accompany the patient.
5. All patients will have to wear their own face masks at all times even while talking with doctor. Handkerchief or scarf won’t be considered as face masks. Patients will have to disinfect their hands. No one without face mask will be allowed in the clinic. Patients are informed to avoid touching unnecessary surfaces.
6. Risk of contracting COVID 19 and other diseases by being in any medical setup is high. When patient agrees to visit the clinic, it will be considered that patient knows the risk involved. Doctor and Clinic will not be held responsible if patient contracts any disease through the visit to the clinic or through contact with other patients in the clinic.
7. COVID suspects will be screened separately and referred to Fever clinic managed by Municipal Corporation for further management and their details will be shared with Municipal Authorities according to the rules. No deviation from the above rule will be considered and should not be requested from the doctor.
8. Routine follow ups will be done by Tele-Consultation as much as possible.
9. Appropriate cases will be offered Tele-consultation option.
10. No non emergency investigations and examinations will be conducted in the clinic.
11. No home visits.
12. Emergency cases will be given 1st priority irrespective of appointments given to other patients or not.

We hope you will provide your cooperation and support during this difficult time as we try our best to give our dedicated services for your benefit.