With Covid-19 cases plummeting, the BMC is now bracing for a surge in monsoon-related ailments. The civic body has directed all hospitals to reserve nearly 100 beds for non-Covid patients. At present, only 20 per cent of the beds are reserved for general ailments. Officials said they have asked all hospitals to reserve ICU and medical ICU beds, and also reactivate the monsoon OPDs that were set up last year. A circular regarding monsoon preparedness has also been issued by the BMC.
Dr Ramesh Bharmal, medical director of civic-run hospitals and dean of BYL Nair hospital, said that even though they are handling the Covid-19 pandemic, all heads of departments concerned, blood banks and the management of emergency services must make necessary arrangements to handle serious and injured patients in case of monsoon casualties.
Dr Bharmal said, “Last year, too, we had similar preparedness but couldn’t reserve many beds due to coronavirus peak, though beds were reserved in isolation at some jumbo Covid centres. Now the cases have dropped drastically and most of the beds are lying vacant. These can be used for treating patients with monsoon illnesses.”
He said they have also directed all ward and health officers to generate awareness about monsoon illnesses in their areas, including slums, to avoid a surge in water-borne diseases. “We have instructed all HODs of departments concerned to conduct training and orientation programmes for medical officers, resident medical officers and paramedical staff,” said Dr Bharmal.
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Senior doctors from civic-run hospitals said they have been instructed to conduct fumigation in ICUs, medical ICUs and other wards that will be used for non-Covid patients. Moreover, they have been asked to take necessary steps to procure enough diagnostic test kits.
A medical official said they have been directed to prioritise the assessment of vital equipment in laboratories, ICUs and wards. “We will keep the generator on standby, in case of power failure. All backup batteries and required electrical gadgets should be kept ready and charged in all the ICUs, operation theatres in case of emergencies,” the official said.
