Docs worried as Covid wards in major B’luru hospitals are almost full

Docs worried as Covid wards in major B’luru hospitals are almost full

Sunitha.Rao@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:01.04.2021

With Covid-19 cases steadily increasing in Bengaluru, a majority of the hospitals treating the infections said most of their beds are occupied and doctors fear demand for ICU beds could throw up infrastructure and human resources challenges in the coming days.

Covid wards in major hospitals in the city are nearly full, despite 80% of the cases in the second wave are asymptomatic and require only home isolation. In a 1,000-bed hospital, 10% of the beds are for intensive care. In Covid care for severe patients, at least 40-50% beds should be in ICUs, doctors said.

At a recent meeting with prominent hospitals and medical colleges, the state health and family welfare department asked hospitals to reserve10% of their total beds for Covid cases. Currently, government hospitals are largely used for severe Covid patients. Unlike last year, private hospital beds for Covid will used in a staggered manner. “In the next one week, all hospitals must have 10% of beds for Covid patients. As the situation demands, the percentage of private beds will be increased,” said a BBMP officer.

At Trauma and Emergency Care Centre in Victoria Hospital campus attached to the Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute, 150 of the 162 Covid beds are occupied, said Dr Smitha Segu, nodal officer.

Full report on www.toi.in

PRESSING PROBLEMS: In a 1,000-bed hospital, 10% of the beds are for intensive care. In Covid care for severe patients, at least 40-50% beds should be in ICUs, doctors said