Health Ministry launches probe over female COVID patients asked to change diapers

The Ministry of Health has launched an investigation and requested for a report from the Panadura Base Hospital management after allegations were raised that several female patients at the Covid-19 ward had been asked by the ward staff to change diapers of elderly patients.

Deputy Director General of Health Services Dr. Hemantha Herath, speaking to the Daily Mirror said that such things shouldn't happen in hospital wards because all those warded were COVID positive patients who required care.

"Hospital authorities including nurses and attendants have been given training to work during this pandemic situation. They cannot make COVID patients attend to other COVID patients' health care," Dr. Herath noted.

The female patients who had to engage with providing other patients' health care told the Daily Mirror that they would rather stay home and rest.

Dr. Herath said that he had informed the Health Ministry Medical Services Division Deputy Director General P.W.C.Panapitiya to look into the matter.

Dr. Panapitiya also said an investigation will be launched over both incidents reported at the Panadura hospital after receiving the report from the hospital director.

Meanwhile, several attempts made to contact the Panadura Hospital Director Dr. Indrani Godakanda, for details in this regard failed.

Panadura Hospital hit the headlines yesterday (Sunday) when a COVID infected journalist revealed how he and several other patients had to sit on the ground as there was a shortage of beds and even spaces between most beds were occupied with people sleeping on mattresses on the floor or mats.

In response to Sunday's incident, Health Services Director General has called for a report from the Panadura hospital authorities. (Chaturanga Samarawickrama)