‘COVID HOSPS MAY START AS NON-COVID’

With the number of Covid-19 cases decreasing, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) is considering to convert Covid hospitals to non-covid ones. These hospitals will be reviewed, and non-covid status will be granted based on number of cases in the vicinity of the hospitals. The first Covid hospital to be converted into a non-covid one is Kalsekar Hospital in Mumbra, as the number of new cases in the area has been in single digits.

TMC is especially keen on allowing smaller hospitals to convert to non-covid ones.

The civic body has released a set of guidelines for the same

TMC commissioner Dr Vipin Sharma said, “We have released this order for Kalsekar Hospital considering the fact that Mumbra has fewer cases now. In the past few weeks, the daily numbers were either zero or in single digits. We have also added hospitals or beds wherever necessary. In areas where the situation is under control, we may allow hospitals to start regular operations.” essential machines. “Most equipment that was donated by philanthropists will be used at secondary healthcare facilities along with purchased equipment. Rented equipment will be handed over to owners,” said Kakani.

Health activists have welcomed civic body’s decision. Pradeep Patil, who is associated with the non-government organisation (NGO) Jan Kalyan, said, “Even through health posts and peripheral hospitals form the backbone of the healthcare system in Mumbai, they lack basic amenities. It will be a great boost for medical infrastructure if BMC can also shift all additional equipment like ventilators and x-ray machines to these centres once the pandemic is over.”