Delhi University college creates a 100-bed isolation centre

NEW DELHI: In the midst of an unprecedented Covid crisis, Delhi University’s Lakshmibai College has set up a 100-bedded isolation centre inside the campus. The centre in northwest Delhi will start taking in Covid patients from Thursday onwards. However, it will only cater to those with mild and moderate symptoms and people below 70 years of age.
Sangita Sharma, one of the teachers at the college, had lost the battle to Covid last week. The centre has been dedicated to her.
Pratyush Vatsala, principal of the college, told TOI, “As we cannot manage ICU facilities, we are not going to accept serious patients. However, we have arranged for oxygen too. The opening got a little delayed as we were also trying to have a back-up.” The centre has been set up in collaboration with an NGO and with permission from the district administration.
“I thought, when there is infrastructure in place built with public funds, why not use it for people who are struggling for facilities. For almost a year, the educational institutions have been closed. At least if patients with mild and moderate symptoms can be admitted here, a lot of pressure can be reduced from the hospitals,” she added.
All the necessary arrangements for food, medical waste disposal, barricading, etc have been made. The health and wellness centre of the college has been turned into an office.
“Many people from Ashok Vihar supported us. We have doctors and a dedicated team of nurses. We have taken young nurses who have completed their studies. Facilities for them to stay in the campus have also been provided,” said the principal.
Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) College is also planning to set up a similar facility. Hem Chand Jain, the principal of the college, said, “We are trying for it. Once it is done, everyone will be informed. We are trying to involve some civil society members as well. It is a collaborative effort of the DM office, DU, Iskcon temple and the college.”
According to an official from the university, it will be a 180-bed Covid isolation centre. It is expected to be operational from the weekend and will be located at the hostel block of DDU in Dwarka.