Frequently Asked Questions

A quick reference guide to all your commonly recurrent questions.



Quick FAQs


COVID Vaccination at our Hospital

Name of the vaccine administered

COVISHIELD

Is prior Registration Mandatory at K. J. Somaiya Hospital?

You have to self register by clicking on this site https://selfregistration.cowin.gov.in/ and schedule your appointment.

Is there walk in facility available?

No, at present there is no walk in facility available at K.J. Somaiya Hospital

Is the Co- morbidity Certificate required?

Between 45 to 60 years of age Co-morbidity certificate is required from your treating physician. Above 60 years of age the Co-morbidity certificate is not required.

What documents are required?

Photo ID Proof (Aadhar Card, Pan card, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID etc.) and Co-morbidity certificate (for 45-60 years of age)

Charges for the vaccine

Rs.250/- Per person

How I will get appointment for second dose

You will get the message on your registered mobile on 29th day.

Where from I ll get the certificate?

You can download the certificate from Co-WIN app/ website, Arogya Setu app or digiLocker app after 2nd dose.

COVID -19 Vaccine

Which vaccines have been given a restricted use license for emergency situation by the Indian Government?

  • COVISHIELD Recombinant Covid-19 vaccine based on Viral Vector technology
  • COVAXIN Whole virion inactivated CoronaVirus Vaccine

Which is the vaccine given in Mumbai?

COVISHIELD

Which are the priority groups to receive the vaccine?

The vaccine will be given first to healthcare workers, frontline workers and population above 50 years of age followed by population below 50 years of age with associated comorbidities and then to the remaining population depending upon the disease epidemiology.

How many doses of the vaccine have to be taken by an individual and at what interval?

Two doses of the vaccine have to be taken at an interval of 28 days.

What is the route, dose and site of administration of the vaccine?

The vaccine is administered intramuscularly 0.5 ml in the deltoid region.

Who is eligible for COVID-19 Vaccination?

Individuals above the age of 18 years are eligible for vaccination.

What are the contraindications for the vaccine?

  • Women who are pregnant
  • Women who plan to become pregnant
  • Lactating women
  • Individual with a history of allergic reaction to previous COVID-19 Vaccine
  • Individual with allergy to vaccines, injectables, pharmaceutical products, food items

What are the temporary contraindications to the vaccine?

The vaccine is to be deferred by 4 to 8 weeks in the following conditions

  • Individuals having active symptoms of SARS- CoV-2
  • SARS- CoV-2 patients who have been given anti SARS- CoV-2 monoclonal antibodies or convalescent plasma
  • Acutely unwell and hospitalised patients due to any illness

Is there any special precaution to be taken in certain illnesses?

Vaccine is to be administered with caution in individuals who have a history of coagulation disorder eg. Coagulopathy, clotting factor deficiency or platelet disorder.

If an individual is suffering from illnesses like Diabetes, Cancer, Hypertension, immunocompromised state can he/she take the vaccine?

Yes, it is important for them to take the vaccine as they belong to a high risk group.The individual should take the COVID-19 vaccine to protect oneself.

Can an individual who has recovered from COVID-19 receive the vaccine?

Yes. It is necessary that such an individual receive the vaccine. This will help the individual to develop better immune response against the disease.

What are the possible side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine?

Pain at site of injection, mild fever, bodyache.

What is the prerequisite for an individual to receive the vaccine?

An individual has to register with the Co WIN system a digital platform to enroll as well as track the beneficiaries for vaccination.

What documents are required for registration of an eligible beneficiary?

Aadhaar Card/ Driving License/ Health Insurance Smart Card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour/ MNREGA Job Card/ Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs/ PAN Card/ Passbook issued by Bank/Post Office/ Passport/Pension Document/ Service Identity Card issued to employees by Central/State Govt./PSUs/ Public Limited Companies/ Smart Card issued by RGI under NPR/ Voter ID Card.

Can a person get the vaccine without being registered with the health department?

No. Registration is mandatory. Only pre-registered beneficiaries will be eligible for COVID-19 vaccination. No on the spot registration of beneficiaries will be done at the session site.

How can the general population register themselves?

Registration is to be done through COWIN website/ app. The individual can register himself or herself by providing his/her basic demographic details like name, date of birth, address and details of comorbidity if any. An individual interested to register himself/herself will be required to produce his/ her photo identity from one of the following

  • Aadhar card
  • Driving license
  • Health insurance smart card issued under the scheme of Ministry of Labour
  • MNREGA job card
  • Official identity cards issued to MPs/MLAs/MLCs
  • Pan card
  • Pass book issued by bank / post office
  • Passport
  • Pension document
  • Service identity card issued to employees by Central/State/ PSUs/ Public Limited Companies
  • Smart card issued by RGI under NPR
  • Voter ID card

The photo identity card has to be uploaded on the CO-WIN system. Currently, common people cannot register for the upcoming vaccine for the coronavirus pandemic as only officials have access to it for now. Once live, the CoWIN app or website will give the option of self-registration.

How will the beneficiary come to know about the date of vaccination?

The eligible beneficiaries will be informed through SMS notification on their registered mobile number regarding the Health Facility where the vaccination will be provided and the scheduled time for vaccination.

Does the beneficiary need to carry any documents on the day of vaccination?

Yes, Aadhar card, Employee Identity card. The Photo Id submitted for registration has to be produced for verification at at the time of vaccination.

If a person is not able to produce Photo ID at the session site, whether s/he be vaccinated or not?

Photo ID is a must for both registration and verification of beneficiary at session site to ensure that the intended person is vaccinated.

What will be the process at the COVID-19 vaccination session site?

  • At the entry point there will be pre-checking of the registration status of beneficiary and photo ID verification before entering the waiting room/area. This will be followed by authentication/ verification followed by vaccination. After receiving the vaccine there will be a 30 minute waiting period to monitor for any adverse effects.
  • The beneficiary will receive SMS notification with a link for the date & time of subsequent dose.
  • On completion of the vaccination schedule the beneficiary will receive SMS notification and link from where the certificate of vaccination can be downloaded.

When will the antibodies develop after vaccination?

Protective levels of antibodies are generally developed two weeks after receiving the 2nd dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

What is the duration of protection after taking the vaccine?

The duration of protection against COVID-19 disease is currently unknown.

Does one need to follow preventive measures such as wearing a mask, hand sanitization, social distancing after receiving the COVID 19 vaccine?

Even after receiving the COVID 19 vaccine, we must continue taking all precautions like use of face cover or masks, hand sanitization and maintain distancing (6 feet)

Is it mandatory to take the vaccine?

Vaccination for COVID-19 is voluntary. However, it is advisable to receive the complete schedule of COVID-19 vaccine for protecting one-self against this disease and also to limit the spread of this disease to the close contacts including family members, friends, relatives and co-workers.

Are there any helplines for COVID-19 vaccination guidance and information?

  • National helpline no. : 1075
  • State helpline no. : 104

At present in Mumbai, vaccination is being done in which hospitals?

  • KEM, Parel
  • LTMMC and LTMGH, Sion
  • Cooper, Vile Parle
  • Nair, Mumbai Central
  • Bandra Bhaba, Bandra
  • V.N.Desai, Vile Parle
  • Rajawadi, Ghatkopar
  • Dr. Ambedkar Shatabdi, Kandivali
  • BKC Covid Centre, Bandra
  • J.J, Byculla

COVID-19 FAQs

What is the novel corona? And why is this virus called COVID-19?

  • Coronavirus was found first time in humans hence it is called a novel coronavirus.
  • The virus was found in December 2019 in China for the first time hence it is called as Covid- 19.

How does the virus spread?

  • Touch to infected material like the table, railing and then same fingers/hand touching to face, nose and / or mouth.
  • Droplet infection during coughing sneezing.
  • Airborne

Will weather change will affect the virus?

There is no definite proof of any weather change on virus.

What is a community spread?

When a person gets Covid infection without known contact with Covid patient, then it is called as community spread.

How can protect myself and my family?

Wearing a mask. Avoid contact with any other person other than family. Avoid travel. Avoid gathering or function. Frequent washing of hands with soap and water. Use sanitizer while you are out of the home.

Is it safe to take medicine for another disease along with Covid treatment?

It safe to take other medicine along with Covid treatment except for Ibufruen, ACE inhibitors.

Is it safe to handle vegetables and groceries? And what precautions to be taken to prevent Covid while handling vegetables or groceries?

Wash vegetables with water properly. Keep grocery or other articles brought from market for 48 Hrs in a separate dry place before handling. Virus will not survive for more than 48 hrs. in dry space.

Is it safe to donate blood?

It is safe to donate blood if you are Covid negative.

Is it enough to wash hands with soap and water or use of sanitizer to prevent Covid infection?

Additional to this, the use of masks and safe distancing is also necessary as a preventive method.

What type of mask should be used to prevent Covid infections?

The general public can use any type of mask. It must cover the nose and mouth. For Health care workers N95/N99 mask is required.

What should I do when I get in contact with a Covid patient?

Quarantine yourself immediately and continue quarantine till you get the negative report. Test yourself after 4-5 days.

Can my child play with other children during a pandemic?

With relaxation in lockdown, children can play with masks and maintaining a safe distance.

Is it safe to travel by bus, taxi, train or plane?

You can travel following government guidelines issued from time to time.

Is it safe to use sanitizer kept in the office or shop?

Yes, it is safe.

What are the symptoms of Covid-19?

Stuffy nose, pain in throat, cough, fever, breathlessness, loss of taste and smell are the common symptoms.

When a person with a positive corona report needs hospital admission?

When patient has difficulty in breathing or oxygen saturation drop below 94%, then he needs hospital admission.

Is it safe to go testing Covid-19 at the laboratory?

Yes, it is safe.

What is the difference between rapid antigen test and RT-PCR? Which one is better and why?

Both tests detect the virus but RT- PCR is more sensitive.

What is an antibody test?

It shows that you have got immunity against Covid virus.

If my antibody positive, then am I safe?

Yes, at least for 4-6 months.

If antibody positive then Do I have to take a vaccine?

The answer is not yet clear. Due to high demand and scarcity of supply only antibody-negative patients will be vaccinated.

Who are at a higher risk of getting Covid infection?

Old age, COPD, DM, Heart disease, Cancer patients or patients on steroids, chemotherapy.

Who is at risk of getting severe and life-threatening infection?

Old age, COPD, DM, Heart disease, Cancer patients or patients on steroid, chemotherapy

Can covid test is negative in spite of patient is suffering from covid 19?

Yes

Can covid test positive without any symptoms?

Yes

While contact tracing will my HIV report be revealed?

NO

What are the possibilities of my positivity if I have close contact with Covid patient?

If you have all the above co-morbidities, then there are high chances of getting the infection.

Can I go for the funeral of a Covid patient?

Avoid

How safe is it to attend marriages?

Avoid

Can an ultra violet light destroy virus?

Yes

How can I handle the belongings of Covid patients?

Sterilize items like mobile, watch etc. by keeping in UV light bags and dispose items like cloth, bedsheets etc. Use a glove mask while handling these materials.

What precautions should one take while using the public toilet?

Use your own toilet paper, cover toilet seat with toilet paper. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Can the virus spread through water in pool, sea, lakes and river?

Swimming pool can spread the virus. Sea, lakes river will not spread as it is diluted.

Can I get an infection through food delivery?

Unlikely

Can domestic animals transmit the virus?

NO

Can I take the dog for a walk?

Yes

What are the chances of my survival if I am infected?

Overall mortality rate in India is 1.45%. but it is increased 10 times when you have co-morbidities.

Is there any Ayurvedic or homeopathic medicine for the preventive treatment of Covid?

There is no proven therapy for prevention of Covid except the vaccine.

Am I 100% safe if I am vaccinated for Covid?

NO. Various vaccines has different efficacy. Most of vaccines have an efficacy ranging from 65-95%.

Are there any side effects and complications of Covid vaccine?

Yes. Myalgia, fatigue fever and headache etc. can occur in few patients.

General FAQs

Are all the consultants available 24 hours?

Most of our consultants are full-time employees of the hospital; hence, outpatient services are available on all working days. We have senior consultants of repute visiting us with prior appointments. We have doctors in the positions of medical and surgical registrars, junior and senior registrars, and junior and senior residents, thus offering 24 hours coverage in areas such as Casualty, Wards, Intensive Care Units and Post Op recovery areas. Any complaints in the odd hours are first attended to by the resident doctors and, depending upon the case, the respective consultants are called in to attend to the patients.

How many attendant passes are issued?

To minimize crowding and noise in the patient care area, only one attendant pass is issued per patient. The pass has to be surrendered at the admission counter at the time of the discharge.

What is the procedure for discharge?

Your consultant will make an entry for discharge on your case sheet. After this, the resident doctors prepare the discharge card. Then the file is sent to the IP reception for clearance, after which the final bill is prepared, taking into account all the deposits. When the final bill is ready, payment has to be made at the admission counter. This procedure may take 2-3 hours.

Is outside food allowed into the hospital?

We provide food for the patient from the hospital kitchen. Attendants need to make their own arrangements or eat in the cafeteria.

Are children allowed to visit the hospital?

Children below 12 years are not allowed to visit the patient.

OPD FAQs

What is the procedure for receiving OPD based treatment?

The OPD timings of the hospital are from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm from Monday to Friday and from 9.00 am to 12.30 pm on Saturdays. All OPDs are closed on sundays and specific public holidays. Patients coming for OPD consultation have to report to the registration counter of the hospital. On their first ever visit their details are registered in the hospital software. They are issued a MR card bearing a unique MR number which will establish their unambiguous identity in the hospital database.

On all subsequent visits patients need to bring this MR card so that all records of that patient would be entered and linked against that MR number and can be retrieved at any time in future for reference.

After payment of appropriate charges the registration clerk will issue an OPD paper of the appropriate OPD (General surgery, General Medicine etc.), based on the complaints/symptoms narrated by the patient. The patient has to report to the appropriate OPD and will be further guided by the staff members in that OPD.

The charges referred above include only consultation fees and do not include cost of tests, medicines or procedures performed and these will be charged extra. In superspecialty wing, appointment is given by the concerned consultant and the patients is registered accordingly.

How do the OPD patients go about doing investigations (tests) and procedures ordered by Doctors?

If certain tests or procedures are advised by the doctor for OPD patients, the patient is required to make the relevant payment at the billing counter and report to the department where the test or the procedure is to be performed. Further guidance would given to the patient by the staff members at the department.

How do the OPD patients obtain medicines prescribed by the doctors?

The medicines prescribed by doctors can be purchased from the medical store located on the ground floor of the hospital building by making the requisite payment. The prescription of the doctor must be presented to the pharmacists in the medical store for purchasing the medicines. No medicines will be provided without a valid prescription.

What is the procedure for follow up of OPD patients and what are the charges for follow up visits?

The patient has to visit the hospital for follow up on the specified day as advised by the doctor. He is required to report to the OPD of the unit under which he is receiving treatment. No additional charges will have to be paid if the follow up visit is within 14 days of the first visit. Beyond 14 days the patient will be directed by the OPD staff to the billing counter for payment of appropriate charges. The patient should bring all his previous case papers and reports for follow up visits. If however the patient comes even within 14 days to a different OPD for a different ailment he will be considered as a new OPD patient and will be billed as mentioned above.

In Super specialty, follow-up visits are also charged.

Admissions FAQs

What are the various services and facilities offered by the Hospital?

K. J. Somaiya Hospital is a multispecialty tertiary care hospital and houses the complete range of medical and surgical specialties under one roof. It offers treatment to patients on OPD and IPD basis and ICU based treatment to critically ill patients. These medical services are assisted by a state of the art blood bank and efficient diagnostic facilities. For the convenience of patients the hospital also houses a medical store, a cafeteria and an ATM centre.

What is the process for indoor admission in the hospital?

When a patient visits the OPD or casualty department and if the doctor feels the need to admit the patient, the doctor will write appropriate instructions for the registration staff on the OPD or casualty case paper. The patient (or relatives) should then report to the registration counter for carrying out the admission procedure including choosing the room category and payment of necessary deposit. On completion of all the admission formalities, the patient will be guided to the respective ward / room. Patients who are advised elective surgical procedures requiring prior admission should report to the registration counter at the date and time as advised by the doctor and complete the admission formalities as mentioned above.

Can the room be retained, if the patient is shifted to the ICU?

If the ward room is retained while the patient is shifted to the ICU the room charges will have to be borne in addition to the ICU charge.

Are all the consultants available 24 hours?

Most consultants working in the hospital are full-time employees and hence are available on all working days during OPD hours. Senior consultants of repute in various specialties are also attached as visiting doctors and are available for consultations on specified days and times. There are doctors in the positions of junior and senior residents offering 24 hours medical care in areas such as Casualty, Wards, Intensive Care Units and post-operative recovery areas. Any complaints beyond working hours of consultants are first attended to by the resident doctors and, depending upon the case, the respective consultants are called in to attend to the patients.

What is the procedure for undergoing various tests and surgical and other procedures if required by the admitted patients?

If certain tests or surgical or other procedures are advised by the doctor the patient is required to make the relevant payment at the billing counter. Further instructions and assistance will be provided to the patient by the hospital staff.

How do the IPD patients obtain medicines prescribed by the doctors?

In the general hospital, the medicines prescribed by doctors can be purchased from the medical store located on the ground floor of the hospital building by making the requisite payment. The prescription of the doctor must be presented to the staff working in the medical store for purchasing the medicines.

In superspecialty the medicines are provided at the bedside to the patients.

Is food from home or outside, allowed for the patient?

Food for the patient is provided by the hospital kitchen. The hospital recommends that patients are not given any food from outside.

In superspecialty, there is an additional charge for food.

Does the hospital have an ambulance service?

The hospital does have an ambulance service information about which can be obtained from the security officers on duty at the hospital entrance.

What is the procedure for discharge?

Once the treating doctor advises that the patient can be discharged from the hospital the discharge procedure can be completed by the patient/relatives with the help of the sister in-charge of the ward in which the patient is admitted.The patient is required to clear all payment dues if any and return the visitor and attendant passes at the time of discharge. On discharge a discharge summary and all investigation reports are handed over to the patient.

How do the patients follow up with the doctor after discharge?

After discharge the patient has to follow up with the same unit (under which the patient was admitted) in the OPD on specified days.Appropriate instructions in this regard will be give to the patient by the hospital staff during discharge.

What is Day Care Surgery?

Day care surgery is a procedure where the patient is admitted in the morning and after the surgery the patient is discharged by evening.

What is the deposit for booking the operation?

70% of your total estimate has to be deposited as OT clearance.

Does reservation deposit confirms my bed of choice?

In Superspecialty most of the tums the preference of patients is considered and provisions are made. If the required category is not availabl we try to accommodate them in the beds available.

After booking for operation, can I make cancellation?

Yes, but cancellation charges are applied.

Do we need to pay any advance at the time of admission?

Yes, patients are required to pay a deposit as per the category of the bed at the time of admission. In case of a surgery or a procedure, the total estimated amount has to be deposited with the hospital before the surgery.

What are the rules for transferring patients to a higher category?

Transfer to a higher category is based on the availability of beds. The rates of the higher category transferred to will be applicable from the date of the admission. In the case of packages, for transfer to a higher category the total difference in the package charge has to be paid before the transfer.

Can we buy medicines or consumables from outside?

All the medicines and consumables are provided by the hospital pharmacy only.

How do I get a discharge summary?

Your summary report or discharge card will be given to you by the nursing staff at the time of the discharge. In case there is a delay in the preparation of a discharge card, it will be mailed or posted to you within a week of the discharge.

Do you have telephone facilities for the patients?

Yes, telephone connections are provided in all the wards and rooms to facilitate communication.

Billing FAQs

What are the various modes of payment for hospital services?

Payment can be made in cash (upto Rs. 2 lakhs but should provide PANCARD NUMBER), by demand draft, by internet banking and by credit and debit cards. The billing and registration counters are open for 24hrs on all days including sundays and holidays.

What is the procedure for a refund?

The following documents are required for a refund:

  • i. Final bill (original)
  • ii. Receipts of all payments
  • iii. Check-out slip

What is the system of billing?

Billing is done on a 24-hour basis.

How does the patient take benefit of his medical insurance policy while taking treatment at the hospital?

Medical Insurance and cashless medical insurance facilities are available in Superspecialty wing