Cama Hospital to increase the number of COVID-19 beds

According to sources, Medical Education Minister Amit Deshmukh has stated that considering the danger of the third wave of the coronavirus, plans should be made to increase the number of beds at Cama Hospital near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus.

The Cama Hospital for women has the capacity to treat 330 patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, 100 beds were already allocated for the patients suffering from the coronavirus. Moreover, another 100 beds are to be allocated for the same.

Meanwhile, even though cases of coronavirus have started to decline in many districts of Maharashtra, the state government is likely to extend the lockdown-like restrictions beyond May 15. In order to break the chain of coronavirus transmission, the Uddhav Thackeray-led government had earlier imposed curfew-like restrictions from April 22 to May 1. Later, it was extended till May 15 as the second wave of COVID-19 led to a surge in infections and fatalities.

On Tuesday, May 11, Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope stated if the restrictions are lifted, the situation might get worse. Tope further added that the government is preparing to battle the third wave and is planning to ramp up bed capacity, availability of Remdesivir injections, and self-sufficiency in oxygen through Mission Oxygen.

Furthermore, the government is also increasing the pace of COVID-19 vaccination. In addition, the Health Minister stated that the government will review the situation and decide on whether to extend the lockdown-like measures or not. The final decision on the matter is likely to be taken at the cabinet meeting on Wednesday, May 12.