In response to the ongoing worldwide rise in Covid-19 cases, the Delhi government urged all public hospitals in the national capital on Monday to increase preparations and replenish supplies in expectation of growing infections in the coming days.
According to an official statement released on Monday, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia presided over a review meeting with directors and medical superintendents of government hospitals, during which he warned them to brace themselves for an increase in Covid cases in the near future. Sisodia asked hospital administrators to assess Covid readiness and verify that all conditions are completed in accordance with the Union Health Ministry’s recommendations.
He also instructed them to file a compliance report with the Health Department.
Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party administration in Delhi authorised a Rs 104 crore budget for government hospitals to purchase generic medications and prepare for Covid-related crises in the near future.
Sisodia asked that data about beds, ventilators, ICUs, the number of physicians and nurses, oxygen plants, field employees, and medications be provided with the Health department by Monday evening after reviewing the Covid-related arrangements at public hospitals.
“According to the directions of the Union government, a mock drill will be organised in all hospitals on Tuesday, December 27, to ensure operational readiness for effective Covid management. In case of any gaps, the issue will be addressed immediately by the health officials concerned,” Sisodia added.
The focus of the mock drill will be on assessing bed capacities, human resources, referral resources, testing capacities of hospitals, medical logistics, telemedicine services and medical oxygen, among others, the deputy CM said.
Apart from the operational preparations for Covid, the government also sanctioned funds totalling Rs 104 crores to enable government hospitals to stock up on life-saving medicines.
Sisodia said, “This amount has been approved by the government to ensure that there is no shortage of any medicines in government hospitals and they are well prepared to deal with an emergency.”
