Delhi's Rajiv Gandhi Hospital again converted into dedicated COVID-19 facility
What's the story
Delhi government-run Rajiv Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital (RGGSH) has been again converted into a dedicated COVID-19 facility amid a massive surge in coronavirus cases in the national capital, officials said on Friday. "All non-COVID-19 services have been suspended till further orders," they said. The 650-bed facility in east Delhi played a critical role in combatting the three waves of coronavirus in Delhi last year.
Quote
Decision was taken after seeing the massive surge in cases
"We have suspended all non-COVID-19 services as the hospital is now a dedicated COVID-19 facility. The decision was taken late on Wednesday seeing the massive surge in cases. As of now, 200 patients are admitted," Medical Director, RGSSH, Dr. BL Sherwal said.
COVID-19 patients
Had zero patients on March 5, now 200: Dr. Sherwal
He said all 200 patients are in serious condition and the same treatment protocol was being followed as was done last year. "This surge is massive and people really need to be careful and follow all COVID-19 safety measures. We had zero patients on March 5, and now 200. That too in the last few weeks. Most patients are elderly," Dr. Sherwal said.
Quote
'Younger population is also getting affected,' says Dr. Sherwal
Dr. Sherwal said, "The younger population is also getting affected but many of them are in home isolation." Dr. Sherwal added that a nurse and police personnel, who were on vaccination duty at the hospital, have tested COVID-19 positive, and are under home isolation.
Background
Hospital was partially operating as COVID-19 hospital since January
The hospital was declared a coronavirus facility last year and in early January was converted into a partially operating COVID-19 hospital. Recently, the Delhi government had issued an order to reserve 500 beds at this facility for COVID-19 patients. Delhi's Health Minister Satyendar Jain in an interview with Times Now said that Delhi will increase the availability of hospital beds in the coming days.
Quote
Delhi will add 3,000 beds in government, private hospitals
"Currently 55% beds are empty in Delhi. But given the surge, we will add about 3,000 beds in both government and private hospitals (sic)," the Health Minister was quoted as saying.
COVID-19 cases
Delhi reported 7,437 fresh COVID-19 cases
Delhi on Thursday reported 7,437 new COVID-19 cases, marking an 8.1% daily positivity rate with 91,770 tests. India on Thursday reported more than 1.31 lakh fresh coronavirus infections, marking the biggest single-day spike yet for the third consecutive day. The nationwide tally climbed past 13 million cases. More than 800 more patients died in the past 24 hours, bringing the death toll to 1,67,714