Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 has changed how health is delivered around the world. The attitude of general public attending Out Patient Department (OPDs) at government sector is difficult to change even post pandemic and hence, the primary health care facilities need to follow stringent protocols to work, in order to ensure safety of both healthcare providers and patients. Objective: To find out the attitude and practices of patients attending OPDs at a Primary health centre (PHC) of Faridabad during and post lockdown period in context of COVID 19 pandemic and to explore the experiences of public health specialists or medical officers at PHCs of India and their recommendations for safe working during post pandemic era. Methodology: A partially mixed concurrent equal status study was conducted at a health centre of medical college situated in Faridabad, Haryana. Quantitative data was collected using an electronic form through interview and telephonic in depth interviews for qualitative data collection. Results: Total 225 patients were interviewed and Public health experts from five different zones across the country interviewed. Majority (38%) of the patients presented with acute respiratory illnesses symptoms. Most of them (65.3%) did not feel unsafe to visit the OPD amid of COVID 19. People belonging to more than 60 years or younger than 20 years differed from coming in for the OPDs. Those who attended were for chronic diseases refill or respiratory symptoms. Public health experts gave recommendations which were categorized under three main themes namely Infrastructural; Administrative and Innovative Changes. Conclusion: During the imposed lockdown majority of patients who visited showed a positive attitude towards preventive measures. Infrastructural and administrative changes are required to provide enabling environment to patients and attendants to promote infection control.

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