Hospitals Demand Covid-Positive Reports, Patients Struggle For Admission

Due to the new variant, experts say blood tests, chest X-rays, and even CT scans can indicate Covid even if the lab reports turn negative.

"I'm tired. I am ready to hold their feet but please admit her. They are saying there are no beds in the hospital. Let her lie on the floor, but at least let her get treatment. Tired of being refused by every place. I can't leave her to die. Please admit her." These were the words of 43-year-old Aslam Khan who had brought his severely ill wife, Ruby Khan, 30, and their daughter on his bike to Delhi's biggest Covid-dedicated facility, Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital. He stood at the gate of the hospital, pleading with the staff. By then, he'd been turned back by three other hospitals because, despite a chest scan of hers showing COVID-19 infection, she did not have a lab report confirming it. "But look at this chest scan I just got done from the trauma centre. It shows lung infection and doctors said she has Covid. But here in LNJP, too, they are saying take her somewhere else. She will die on the way," Mr Khan told NDTV.