Tackling COVID spike in Guwahati; Private hospitals may be roped in: Himanta Biswa Sarma

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: "With the huge spike of COVID-19 positive cases in the city, the government is examining the possibility of involving even the private hospitals to treat the patients suffering from the disease," said State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing the media at Mirza in Kamrup district on Tuesday. He added, "If anyone does not like to be admitted in the government hospitals, they can be referred to the private hospitals. We will provide the details in this regard soon."

Sarma further said, "On Monday night itself, 70 positive cases were detected in Guwahati. Besides, two persons of below 50 years of age succumbed to coronavirus during the last one week. To tackle this situation, we are planning to set up 2,500 more beds for the COVID-19 patients within the next three days.

"Though the coronavirus situation in Guwahati is critical yet we will be able to deal with the emerging crisis. But all of us will have to strictly follow the COVID-19 protocols especially during the extended 14-day lockdown in the city. But the people should not listen to fake news on COVID."

Earlier during the day, inaugurating a 300-bedded COVID Care hospital at the infrastructure provided by the Patanjali Yogpeeth at Mirza, Sarma said, "Within tonight, 130 COVID patients will be admitted in this hospital." He also informed that the COVID hospital at Khanapara will be inaugurated on Wednesday.

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