Assam Update: GMCH Readies New ICU for COVID-19 Patients

Guwahati, March 27, 2020:

Assam has readied a new Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with a capacity of 30 beds at the Gauhati Medical College & Hospital (GMCH) to deal with the possible outbreak of coronavirus or COVID-19 in the State.

The ICU with ventilation has been set up with the required amenities for the COVID-19 patients. Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took stock of the arrangement made by the GMCH authorities along with the Health department of the State.

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It may be mentioned here that although Assam has not yet reported any positive case of COVID-19, the State is not taking the risk of the dreaded virus and therefore, the Health department is closely monitoring the implementation of the efforts initiated.

Temporary camps are being built at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati, which are meant for the purpose of home quarantine amid rising cases of novel coronavirus or COVID-19 in the country.

State Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that these quarantine camps will be for the immediate family members of those who test positive for COVID-19.

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“We are establishing large home quarantine camps at Sarusajai Stadium with a capacity of around 1000.  These camps will be ready in a week. After that, if, in a family any positive case emerges, then the other members of the family will be brought here. We have food and basic facilities like toilets and bathrooms are attached. We will keep them here in a close watch of doctors here itself so that in case of a positive case, we can straight away take them to the Hospital. Nearby, we are also taking an apartment in rent to accommodate doctors 200.” Informed the Health Minister.

Assam, in order to deal with the pandemic, has readied a training module meant for the final year students of medical, doctors and nurses. “We are preparing a taining module for the MBBS students who in 3-4 months will become doctors. This module will train them on coronavirus treatment. The nursing students who are also in the final phase of their studies will be trained so that we have enough medical staff. The private hospitals have also agreed to provide us help with staff,” he informed.

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It may be mentioned here that India has been locked down following the outbreak of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19. According to worldometers, the country has 733 positive COVID-19 cases. Six new cases have been reported as on Friday and the total death count has reached 20.

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