Delhi govt ramps up installation of ICU beds in hospitals

New Delhi, July 6 Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, here on Monday, visited the Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital to review its preparedness to treat coronavirus patients.

As the national capital is witnessing a steady increase in Covid-19 cases, the state government has ramped up installation of ICU beds in the COVID dedicated hospitals, like the Rajiv Gandhi Super Specialty Hospital from 45 to 200, and in the Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital from 60 to 180.

Briefing the media after the visit, Kejriwal said, "We might need ICU beds in the coming days. At present, we have 1,900 ICU beds. Of this, 750 beds are vacant. We are increasing the capacity for any spike in cases."

The Chief Minister said more ICU beds would mean better treatment of critical patients and fewer deaths.

On Sunday, the Delhi government had announced nearly three-fold increase in the number of ICU beds in LNJP, Rajiv Gandhi and GTB hospitals.

"The RGSS Hospital accepted the challenge. Till a few days ago, there were only 45 ICU beds, which have been increased to 200. We have also told the doctors to raise it to 500 and assured them full government support for that," Kejriwal said.

At the LNJP Hospital, the number of ICU beds has been increased from 60 to 180. In the coming days, the number of beds would be increased in all Delhi government hospitals for the better treatment of the people, he added.

Kejriwal also said the RGSS Hospital had been equipped with various facilities, including video link.

( With inputs from IANS )