Politicians seek more care facilities despite vacancies

PUNE: Many private organisations, social groups and political leaders are pressing for more Covid Care Centres, even as half the civic-run centres remain vacant.
The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has urged politicians and social groups to help existing centres, rather than starting new facilities. “Some political leaders are putting pressure on us. In some cases, we are told to give a clearance even if the facilities aren’t well-equipped. This poses a risk not just for patients but also the health staff on duty. If we don’t approve the proposals, allegations are levelled against us. Complaints against us are sent to top officials. This is causing unnecessary tension,” said a senior PMC official.
In some cases, operators of centres have sent critical patients to civic hospital in the last stage, when it becomes very difficult to save them.
“Although it is a good sign that people are coming forward to help the needy during the pandemic, norms and rules for the Covid Care Centre must be followed. We would like to urge philanthropic organisations to extend their helping hand to PMC. It will help improve the current civic facilities,” Rubal Agarwal, additional commissioner of PMC told TOI.