Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government today announced to come up with a full-scale around 100-bedded Covid Hospital with around 20 Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds at Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR), Burla in Sambalpur district.
“Today after a review of facilities available at VIMSAR, it was felt that the small isolation ward was not sufficient. A big decision was taken to start a full-scale Covid Hospital inside VIMSAR premises in an isolated location within 7-10 days with around 100-bed capacity including 20 ICU beds,” informed Chief Secretary Asit Tripathy briefing reporters at Sambalpur today.
Tripathy said as planned the facility will have all facilities like oxygen piping etc and even an operation theatre will be added to it later.
“This will solve a big problem since many patients come to VIMSAR from Sambalpur area and from different parts of western Odisha as well. In the event of any of them testing positive for Covid they are shifting to the District Hospital. With the new hospital, cross infections will not take place. In addition to that those not getting accommodated at district hospital will be accomodated here,” the Chief Secretary stated.
Tripathy informed that he along with Additional Chief Secretary Health P K Mohapatra also visited the Covid Hospital at Sambalpur and discussed the various issues there.
“It was found that the hospital did not have sufficient doctors to handle the ICU facilities there. After reviewing the situation we decided to depute 10 senior doctors from VIMSAR. They have joined immediately,” the Chief Secretary informed.
It was also decided to engage 20-30 attendants on outsourcing basis and 30 ANM at the District Covid Hospital, he added.
Tripathy lauded the district administration and the district police administration for their good work.
He informed that the recovery rate of Covid in Sambalpur is around 77% which is slightly higher than the recovery percentage of the State which is an indicator of good treatment being provided here.
He said around 74% of patients are in home isolation.
“I have directed the district administration to monitor their health through daily phone calls and provide them with mental counselling as well. In addition to that, I have asked to provide them with their test results over the phone within 24-48 hours which will reduce their anxiety level,” Tripathy revealed.
He further informed that Sambalpur Municipal Corporation will start a campaign on wearing of masks, Covid norms etc and will do a mapping of co-morbid and vulnerable persons in its area from Monday.
