SRINAGAR, MAY 06 (KNS): The  Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, P K Pole issued an order for deferring of elective, routine surgeries in Govt & Private Health institutions till further orders in view of Covid Pandemic in Kashmir Division.

It stated that the prevailing situation demands optimal utilization of available resources so that existing infrastructure and healthcare are not overstretched to the hilt.

The order said that the main focus of the healthcare system at this juncture is the management of covid-19 positive cases and the majority of resources of health care at present have been diverted to covid-19 management.

'It is hereby ordered, in view of these facts and till further orders, all elective and routine surgeries in Government and Private health institutions are deferred unless there are pressing and dire medical exigencies and benefits of such procedures outweigh risk related to covid 19 situations and its fallout', the order stated.

However, emergency services, critical care required for co-morbid patients, dialysis patients, Once Surgeries and MCH services shall continue as usual.

The Districts Magistrates, District Disaster Management Authorities, CMOs of concerned districts shall conduct random inspections and audits of health care institutions to enforce the compliance of this order under the extant rules within their jurisdiction.

The order shall be reviewed periodically based on the evolving Covid 19 Situation.(KNS)