Private hospital doctors to treat virus patients in TS

In a significant development in management of potential

Covid-19 cases in the state, the government has announced that hence forth, private hospitals “that have the capacity for isolation wards and treatment facilities for patients either suspected to be carrying the disease or diagnosed — after tests — with the disease,” will be allowed to admit and treat such individuals.

Health minister Etala Rajendar told a news conference here on Wednesday that the state government discussed the issue with the centre earlier in the day and the proposal was approved by the central government. “This will help in better disease management. There may be suspected

Covid-19 patients who might prefer going to private hospitals,” he pointed out.

The health minister, however, made it clear that while private hospitals will be allowed to collect samples from such individuals to test for presence of novel covid-19 and Covid-19 disease, the tests will only be performed at nationally accredited central government-run lab in the Gandhi General Hospital.

The director of medical education has spoken to managements of private hospitals and private teaching hospitals. Many of them have come forward to provide Covid-19 management and treatment facilities. “They said they will be happy to join the efforts of the government in containing and stopping the disease,” Rajendar said.

“Twenty two private hospitals have agreed to provide a total of

1,080 beds for Covid19. They have promised to equip isolation wards with all necessary equipment, including ventilators. We thank them for their socially responsible response to the current situation,” the minister stated.

These hospitals are spread across the state, including in the state capital and six other districts. While

21 of these hospitals have promised to set aside 50 beds each for

COVID-19 cases, one hospital in the city has said that it will be able to provide only 30 beds.

When a reporter asked whether the government would foot the bill for people who check into private hospitals, the minister said the priority was to ensure care and treatment of possible victims and, if confirmed, patients carrying the disease.