As the number of coronavirus cases in India rises to 724 with 17 deaths, concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of hospital beds, ventilators, etc for COVID-19 patients across the country. Which is why Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced yesterday that the state government will build two new hospitals in Bhubaneshwar.
According to The Economic Times, both facilities will have 500 beds each and will be set up within 15 days. They will only treat COVID-19 patients so people who are experiencing symptoms may call their helpline number 104.
In a first of its kind initiative in the country, we are setting up two stand alone #COVID19 hospitals with a combined strength of 1000 beds in Bhubaneswar. The two hospitals to be functional within a fortnight and strengthen our fight against #CoronaVirus. pic.twitter.com/WTuxBoHwoz
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) March 26, 2020
The Times of India reports that the government has collaborated with two private medical colleges (Kalinga Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) and the SUM Hospital) for this initiative. In addition, the funding is being provided by two PSUs – Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC) and Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL). The Hindu quoted Subroto Bagchi, Odisha’s chief spokesperson on COVID-19 saying,
“The announcement for the hospitals with a capacity of 1,000 beds has been made keeping an unprecedented situation in mind. Some people are questioning us as to why we are unnecessarily pressing the panic button. In five developed countries, the infection ranges between 38,000 and 81,000. We have to stay prepared.”
Twitter lauded the proactive step to boost medical infrastructure.
Sir! Pathbreaking move and proactive initiative! It’s going to set example to the nation!
— Dr SSV Ramakumar (@RamakumarDr) March 26, 2020
Excellent. Entire world should learn disastser management from the chief minister of Odisha.
— Cuttack_Toka 🇮🇳 (@SibasishBrahma) March 26, 2020
Thank you.much needed 👍🙏🙏
— sussiecherry (@susan_potharaju) March 26, 2020
Very good decision sir, though less number of cases in Odisha.
Other states must inspire from your decision.
Right now country needs huge number of beds and ventilators to cope up if situation become worse.— Konuganti surender (@Konugantisuren2) March 27, 2020
Appreciate this move by Govt of Odisha to combat the pandemic. Thanks to the corporations for their support in strengthening the public health infrastructure through their CSR fund. Great! @Naveen_Odisha @odisha_mining @mahanadicoal
— Ankit Mohapatra (@AnkitMohpatra) March 26, 2020
Kudos, Odisha, for leading by example in this time of crisis.