Number of cases fall, majority of COVID beds remain vacant

CHENNAI: The bed occupancy in government and private hospitals in the State has reduced after the fall in new pandemic cases, with 6,425 beds in government and private hospitals for COVID-19 patients remaining vacant. Now, 4,666 beds are available at COVID health centres and private hospitals, besides 10,840 at COVID Care Centres across Tamil Nadu.

Of the 4,833 beds available at government hospitals, only 1,375 are occupied while 3,458 are vacant. In the case of private hospitals, 886 beds are occupied and 2,967 vacant. This is in stark contrast with the situation about three months ago when patients had to be put on waitlist for admission and beds at private facilities.

In the case of government COVID health centers, only about 14 per cent occupied now. Only 190 designated beds are occupied while 1,158 remain unoccupied. In the case of private facilities, 271 beds are occupied and 3,508 beds are available for patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 symptoms.

At COVID Care Centres, only 136 beds are occupied, leaving a whopping 10,940 vacant.

Officials from the State Health Department said the department was well equipped and prepared to handle the cases, and added that hospitals were getting back to their regular consultations and treatment procedures.

The discharge rate in the State now stands at 97 per cent, and there are only 10,997 active cases as on Monday, which amounts to only 1.6 per cent.

At COVID Care Centres, only 136 beds are occupied, leaving a whopping 10,940 vacant