Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH) has revealed 11 individuals have tested positive for COVID-19 from the government-owned healthcare facility.
Speaking at a press conference, Medical Director of IGMH Dr. Ali Nazeem said the cluster originated from an Indonesian patient who died while undergoing treatment for cancer at the hospital. The doctor revealed the patient had tested positive for COVID-19, while another 10 people who were identified as primary and secondary contacts of the patient subsequently tested positive as well. He noted the individuals who tested positive for COVID-19 include 4 hospital staff, 4 patients and 2 family members of patients.
Furthermore, Dr. Nazeem revealed the patients who tested positive while undergoing treatment at IGMH have been transferred to Dharumavantha Hospital, while others have been transferred to the Hulhumale' Medical Facility. He added another 27 staff of IGMH have been isolated upon contact tracing.
The medical director further revealed the hospital has brought changes to its policies for the safety of patients and staff, noting all patients will now be tested upon admission. He added efforts are underway to revise safety protocols to enhance the safety of the hospital.
Over 5,000 people seek treatment from IGMH on a daily basis. While the facility only provided emergency services during the lockdown imposed due to COVID-19, OPD and other services have now resumed after the lockdown restrictions were eased. However, some of the services have once again been suspended due to the formation of a COVID-19 cluster at the hospital.