SCB medical college reopens designated Covid hospital amid rising cases

CUTTACK: As the State witnesses a resurgence of Covid-19 cases, the SCB Medical College and Hospital has reopened its designated Covid hospital (DCH). The DCH units 3 and 4 of the MCH were opened on Friday. Five beds have been kept in the DCH unit 3 located in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology department. If an expectant mother gets infected, she will be shifted to unit-3 for treatment.

Similarly, 15 beds have been arranged in DCH unit 4 located inside the Pulmonary Medicine (TB & Chest) department. Any Covid infected patient needing hospitalisation will be admitted to DCH unit 4 for receiving treatment, informed SCB MCH Administrative Officer Abinash Rout.

“In the first phase, we have arranged 20 beds in the two DCH to meet the emergency. If necessary, the bed strength will be enhanced and if the situation demands, DCH 1 and 2 will be made operational,” said Rout.
There have been no admissions to units 3 and 4 yet.

On the other hand, Sishu Bhawan is yet to prepare to face the Covid situation. During the third wave, the State government has provided 14 ICUs including 4 Neonatal ICUs besides, and eight high dependency units (HDUs) to Sishu Bhawan and instructed its authorities to establish of Covid Centre of Excellence. However, the centre of excellence is yet to be made operational due to a lack of infrastructure.

“The NICUs, HDUs have been kept ready in the existing medical ward 3 which has been temporarily developed and converted into a centre of excellence to treat Covid infected children and will be made operational whenever necessitated,” said Sishu Bhawan Superintendent Prof Jnanindra Nath Behera.

District Covid Nodal Officer Dr Umesh Ray said sporadic Covid cases are being reported from the district now. A total of 37 persons have been infected with coronavirus in the last 10 days.