On 11th March 2020, the WHO declared the novel corona virus infection Covid-19, a global pandemic. This set in motion a series of actions by numerous countries across the world with profound effects on the way medicine is practiced. The specialty of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ORLHNS) was not immune to these stages. Soon after the declaration, the surgeon general of the US proclaimed a formal advisory to all healthcare facilities across the US to cancel all elective surgeries. This action was taken with two goals in mind.
• To minimize the transmission of the virus within the healthcare facilities
• To conserve healthcare facilities particularly, hospital beds, to treat the possible overwhelming number of people likely to be affected by the pandemic
IAOHNS is seized of the problems arising from the cancellation of all elective surgeries during the COVID pandemic. The academy has embarked on a mission to inform his members about various strategies for starting the practice of Otolaryngology and elective surgeries while maintaining the safety of personnel and patients.
This document is a result of a discussion held within the Indian academy and the academy would like to reiterate that the document is based on information available at this point of time.
However COVID pandemic is a dynamic crisis and if the situation warrants it, this document will be modified or revised based on the circumstances.
Thus, there is a desperate need to work out a safe exit strategy from the current situation with regards to elective surgeries while minimizing the risk to the patient and personnel.
IAOHNS has come out with an updated version of "Position Statement on Return to Practice for Otorhinolaryngologists - Standard Operating Procedures".

This document reflects the consensus opinion of the members of the Indian Academy of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (IAOHNS). It is not binding on any individual / individual clinic. However, it is the recommendation of the IAOHNS that, wherever possible, this document should act as a guideline for clinics performing ENT Clinical evaluation and management including surgery in India.

Please click here to download the Document.
Acknowledgement This document which constitutes the position statement of the Indian Academy of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (IAOHNS) is an outcome of the discussion of an expert panel constituted by the IAOHNS.
IAOHNS Acknowledges the contribution made by AHPI & ANBAI for the details of the authentication of the PPE certificate.
The members of the committee include the following members of the IAOHNS

• Dr. K.K. Handa – President IAOHNS
• Dr. Vijaya Krishnan – Secretary IAOHNS
• Dr. Achal Gulati
• Dr. Arun Agarwal
• Dr. Gautam Khaund
• Dr. Manoj MP
• Dr. Mohan Kameswaran
• Dr. Naresh Panda
• Dr. Shanmughanandan VC