The Parsa District Administration has recommended action against National Medical College, Birgunj for handing over the body of the man who died there on May 17 to the family without waiting for report of PCR test.
"We have decided to request the Health Ministry through the Home Ministry to take action against the hospital after discussion," Assistant Chief District Officer of Parsa Lalit Kumar Basnet told Setopati.
The 75-year-old from Karaiyamai rural municipality 5 of Bara had died at the hospital on May 17. He was confirmed positive on Monday. The hospital did not wait for the lab report and handed over the body to family for final rites.
The hospital said the body was handed over before the report arrived as there was no suspicion of COVID-19. The elderly was hospitalized after kidney problems.
Hospital promoter Basaruddin Ansari conceded the hospital's mistake and added that any action by the government/administration will be accepted.
The meeting on Monday has also decided to start contact tracing to track those who came into contact with the deceased, and immediately quarantine the health workers involved in his treatment.
The hospital, meanwhile, is preparing to seal the intensive care unit where the man was treated.
