Chennai: Over 12,000 beds vacant in government hospitals, says health department – Times Now

Chennai: As India is witnessing a surge in the number of daily coronavirus cases, some states struggled to meet the demand for COVID hospital beds. According to doctors, following the surge in the number of Covid-19 cases, bed status keeps changing every hour, and presently, young patients with Covid-19 are showing severe symptoms. As per the report, about 35 per cent of beds vacant in Chennai government tertiary hospitals.

With the demand for hospital beds in the city, only about 35 per cent of beds are vacant in tertiary hospitals.

According to the data shared by the state health department, out of the 4,363 beds, suspected Covid patients occupy 714. In five hospitals which includes, Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital (RGGGH), Stanley Medical College (SMC), Kavery Medical Centre and Hospital (KMCH), Omandurar Government Medical College, and King Institute of Preventive Medicine and Research across the city, 1542 beds are vacant as of April 18. 

According to the state health officials suspected Covid patients would continue to be under treatment until they test negative.

On the condition of anonymity, one doctor at a government hospital said, “It is a double challenge as both young and the elderly are coming now. However, we are ramping up beds adequately and creating newer wards. There won’t be any shortage,” was quoted by the New Indian Express. 

Commenting on the COVID situation in the city Greater Chennai Corporation official said, “Most patients are now opting for home quarantine and do not wish to stay in care centers”.