Hailakandi DC orders magisterial inquiry after COVID patients found roaming outside isolation ward

A two-member magisterial inquiry has been instituted to probe into coming out of COVID-19 positive patients from the isolation wards of SK Roy Civil Hospital on Tuesday morning.

In an order issued to this effect, Deputy Commissioner, Megh Nidhi Dahal asked Additional Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Khaleda S.Ahmed and Assistant Commissioner, Parikshit Phukan to thoroughly enquire into the circumstances leading to the incident and to suggest measures to prevent recurrence of such incidents in future.

The magisterial committee will submit a detailed report to the Deputy Commissioner within 24 hours.

The administration quickly instituted the probe when it was found that some COVID-19 patients stepped out of the isolation wards and roamed around the administrative and OPD block of the district hospital with some even trying to flee.

As per available information, a patient admitted in the COVID block at SK Roy Civil Hospital alleged that a low-quality meal was served to him and that forced him out of the isolation ward. He was joined by other patients too and that created a ruckus. A home guard deployed in the hospital had to rush and confront them. By then the COVID positive patients who traveled back from different states had reached the corridors near the outpatient department. This caused a nuisance and the officials had to rush.

There are presently 45 COVID-19 patients admitted at the isolation wards of the civil hospital which has been designated as COVID-19 hospital. However, OPD and other blocks of the hospital are also functioning.

“Authorities here viewed the incident very seriously and stern action would be taken against those for lapses, if any,” informed the administration.

A home guard on duty who came in close contact with the COVID-19 infected has been put under institutional quarantine.