PATIALA: Punjab Medical Education and Research Minister Shri O P Soni said here today that the existing bed capacity of government medical college hospitals in Punjab was being increased by 25 percent to save precious human lives from the second wave of COVID-19. Mr Soni was interacting with media persons here today after taking stock of the care and treatment arrangements for COVID patients at Rajindra Hospital. He said as per Chief Minister Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh's directions, both Medical Education and Research and Health and Family Welfare Departments are exploring additional capacity of 2000 beds besides setting up of temporary hospitals at Mohali and Bathinda.
He was accompanied by Municipal Corporation Mayor Mr. Sanjeev Sharma Bittu, Principal Secretary Medical Education and Research Mr. D K Tewari.
Cabinet Minister Shri Soni said that in view of the grim situation of COVID across the country, the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh had directed to increase the capacity of beds in the hospitals of Government Medical Colleges for the treatment of COVID in the state, that would likely to be completed in a week or two. He said that in view of the seriousness of the situation, timely testing and early admission of the people was mandatory. But people report at the hospital very late when the patient's condition becomes very serious, which has led to a high death toll.
The Medical Education and Research Minister further said that 125 beds with piped oxygen at Rajindra Hospital were being enhanced while 125 beds would be set up for post COVID care. In addition, two manifolds and a 20, 000 liter tank will be installed for uninterrupted supply of oxygen. Sh. Soni further said that 30 oxygen generators have arrived and as per the demand of the hospital 1000-1000 cylinders large and small are being procured soon. At the same time 200 nursing staff and 200 class four are being recruited. New recruitment has also been sanctioned in place of other superannuating staff including the services of retired faculty.
He said that the Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh was monitoring the arrangements at all levels and as per the orders of the Chief Minister, all the other state patients are also being given treatment in Punjab hospitals. Replying to another question, he said that no stone was being left unturned for the care of COVID patients and where there was any shortcoming, it would be rectified. In addition, family members of patients can have the glimpse of their patients at control room in Rajindra Hospital. Informing about the further improvement in food, being made available in the hospital to the patients, he said that from now on milk and eggs have also been added to daily diet so that patients can have more healthy diet.
Mr. Soni said that all the three medical colleges of Punjab were making significant contribution in the war against COVID and were caring Level-2 and Level-3 patients (suffering from serious and other ailments) very diligently and so far more than 60 lakh COVID tests have been conducted.
Mr O P Soni also applauded the doctors, nurses and other staff of Rajindra Hospital foe their relentless working. He said that the major cause of death in COVID bcase was the late arrival of patients in hospitals and other serious illnesses, so the media should also support the government in creating awareness in the war against COVID.
On this occasion Rajindra Hospital COVID Tertiary Care in-charge Surbhi Malik, Principal of Medical College Dr. Rajan Singla, Vice Principal Dr RPS Sibia, Medical Superintendent Dr H S Rekhi, OSD/Minister Sanjeev Sharma, Deputy MS Dr. Vinod Dangwal, Dr. Vishal Chopra, Dr. Amandeep Singh Bakshi and other doctors were present.