Journal of Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (Nov 2020)
Impact of Covid-19 Pandemic on General Surgical Services at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences
Abstract
Background: Covid-19 pandemic that started from Wuhan China in 2019 December has made serious impact in the general wellbeing of people as well as the services provide by the health care institutions all over the world. This study aims to identify the impact of Covid-19 in the general surgical services provided by Karnali Academy of Health Sciences. Methodology: This was a retrospective study conducted at Karnali Academy of Health Sciences (KAHS), Jumla from 16th September 2019 to 15th September 2020 A.D (Ashoj 2076 to Bhadra 2077 B.S.). The data were obtained from records of various departments concerned with the delivery of the surgical services at our Hospital, which were then extracted to the Microsoft Excel and analysed. Results: Total 5,678 patients received General surgical services and the number of cases in each services remains somewhat consistent before lockdown however they tend to vary after lockdown. The average OPD cases decreased from 373.33 before to 223.33 after lockdown and average surgeries performed were considerably decreased from 64 to 28. The average emergency services per month (160 vs. 188.67) and ICU admission (3.67 vs. 8.67) showed increment, however ward admissions (48 vs. 45) were fairly constant. The elective surgeries decreased considerably reaching to Zero during Apr/May and May/June periods. Average Emergency surgeries per month were 34.5 before lockdown and 41.14 after lockdown; and average elective surgeries per month were 29.5 before and 4 after lockdown. Conclusion: The decrease in surgical services especially Out Patient Services and surgical procedures were the known results of the Corona Virus pandemic however the emergency and ICU services were maintained in usual capacity to both provide essential services and to minimize the risk of Covid -19 transmission.
