AP takes over 58 private hospitals; 19,114 more beds for COVID-19 patients

Amaravati: Anticipating a further increase in the number of Coronavirus cases in the state, the Andhra Pradesh government has taken over 58 private hospitals across 13 districts. A total of 19,114 beds are available in these private hospitals, of which 17,111 are non-ICU beds, 1,286 are ICU beds, and 717 are isolation beds. Additionally, alternative facilities with a capacity of 530 have also been set up.

The state nodal officer for COVID-19, Girija Shankar, said, "Several private institutions responded to the Chief Minister’s call asking the private sector to get involved in the fight against COVID-19. We have taken over 58 private hospitals with a capacity of over 19,000 beds. This will boost our medical infrastructure and help the state brace for any eventuality."

Government sources said the production of ventilators, testing kits, and other equipment has started in Visakhapatnam. An order for three lakh rapid testing kits has already been placed by the government. Depending on the demand, the government might increase, procure, and manage resources as and when necessary.

The government has taken over four private hospitals each in Srikakulam and Anantapur districts, five each in Vizianagaram, Visakhapatnam, East Godavari, Krishna, SPSR Nellore, and Chittoor districts, three in West Godavari, four each in Guntur, YSR Kadapa, and Prakasam districts, and six hospitals in Kurnool.