Health ministry asks Central ministries, PSUs to set up wards, separate blocks for COVID-19 cases

That would mean the Railway Hospital in Lalaguda and ESI Hospital in Hyderabad can be put to use in Telangana.

The ministry said the hospitals or blocks should have separate entry and exit points for COVID-19 patients and treatment, including specialized care, should be provided for the confirmed positive cases. Additionally, it said these dedicated hospital wards or blocks should be equipped to provide all supportive and ancillary services, including Oxygen-supported beds, ICU beds, ventilators and specialized Critical Care Units, laboratory and imaging services, kitchen, and laundry along with a dedicated health workforce.

Many state and Union Territories (UTs) across the country have been reporting a surge in cases and deaths caused by COVID-19 since the past few weeks.

In the letter written to the Central ministries, the Union health secretary reiterated that the sudden surge in COVID cases across the country calls for similar supportive action as last year from all ministries and departments, their PSUs, and the hospitals under their control.

In order for the public to avail of the required treatment at these hospital wards and blocks, the Central ministries have been advised to provide details of such dedicated wards and blocks be the public. They have also been asked to coordinate with the respective health departments of states and UTs and the district health administration wherever these hospitals are located. It has been suggested that a nodal officer may be nominated from the ministry or department for necessary coordination with the respective states and UTs for this purpose and their contact details be shared with the respective states and UTs as well as the Union health ministry.