Yogi opens DRDO’s first makeshift hospital

LUCKNOW : Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday inaugurated a 505-bed makeshift Covid hospital set up by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Awadh Shilp Gram in Lucknow. The facility was named after former Prime Minister AB Vajpayee.

Anticipating a surge in Covid-19 cases, the CM also announced a massive anti-Covid campaign in the rural pockets where panchayat polls were held recently. “We have inaugurated the makeshift hospital today. In the first phase, we have inaugurated 250 beds. Of the total beds here, 150 would be Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds while other would be a set of general beds, equipped with 24 hours oxygen connectivity,” said Adityanath while extending gratitude to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on whose direction the hospital was established.

“Anticipating surge in the Covid cases in the rural parts of the UP, we have launched a campaign under which we have formed dedicated nigrani samities to check and report Covid cases. The Samitis would also be provided with handheld infrared thermometer, oximeter and sanitisers. The samiti members would be asked to facilitate the antigen tests and RTPCR tests of the villagers,” the CM said.

He also announced the construction of massive quarantine centres in every gram panchayat.

Other 305 beds of DRDO’s makeshift hospital would be made operational shortly, said DRDO officials. “The hospital is equipped with 20 kilo litre oxygen tank that would ensure uninterrupted oxygen supply,” said Shantanu Pratap Singh, PRO, Defence, Lucknow.

Singh said, “Indian Armed Forces have provided 30 medical specialists, 28 medical officers, 6 officers for administrative support, 51 nursing officers, 110 nursing assistants/technicians and 79 support staff for the hospital.” There will be no charges for facilities at the hospital.

“The admission to the hospital will be controlled through an Integrated Control Centre at Lucknow established by the UP State Authorities (0522-4523000). The hospital does not cater to walkin admissions. Information on admitted patients will be available from the helpdesk at mobile numbers 9519109239 and 9519109240,” said Singh.