Triage Area: Govt, private hospitals take stock of Covid preparedness, Health News, ET HealthWorld

Ahemdabad: With Covid cases witnessing a surge globally, Indian authorities are also closely monitoring the numbers. In addition to a state-level review meeting on Thursday, PM Narendra Modi also convened a meeting of senior officials in the afternoon to chalk out the course of action.

State health department officials said that currently, the number of active cases is at an all-time low. “Almost all the laboratory-confirmed cases are being sent for genomic sequencing. In the coming days, Covid screening will be strengthened. A national level meeting is expected to take place on Friday after which new Covid protocols may be announced,” said a senior official, adding that the focus is on testing, tracking and treatment.

Dr Rakesh Joshi, the medical superintendent of Ahmedabad Civil Hospital, said that the triage area (where the severity of the infection is determined) at Covid OPD has 16 beds. “The ICU wing being set up for the Covid patients will have 80 beds with ventilators. If the requirement for more beds arises, then the fifth floor of the new hospital will be converted into a special Covid facility,” he said.

At Sola Civil Hospital, 20 beds each are earmarked for ‘suspected Covid’ and ‘confirmed Covid’ cases. Dr Dipika Singhal, the hospital’s medical superintendent, said that currently 16 beds in ICU are reserved for Covid patients. “If required, more beds will be added,” she said.

Dr Bharat Gadhvi, president of Ahmedabad Hospitals and Nursing Homes Association (AHNA), said that almost all major private hospitals are equipped with Covid infrastructure and trained staff. “At present, we don’t have a significant number of Covid patients. But a pool of beds could be created for the purpose even at short notice,” he said.