Odisha Govt To Open COVID Hospital On VIMSAR Premises

Sambalpur: Considering the inadequate facility in VIMSAR, Burla, the state government will set up a COVID hospital on the premises of the institute.

Speaking to mediapersons after holding a review meeting of COVID-19 management with district collector, SP and RDC at VIMSAR, chief secretary Asit Tripathy said the small isolation ward in the VIMSAR is inadequte to meet the demand.

He further said the patients visiting VIMSAR from Sambalpur and other western Odisha districts are referred to district hospital, if found COVID-19 positive. The shifting of such patients is giving scope to spread of coronavirus, he added.

Considering the situation, they decided that a COVID hospital would be set up at an isolated place on the VIMSAR premises. The hospital will have 100 beds and 20 ICUs besides other medical facilities like oxygen supply.

Exprerssing his satisfaction over the COVID-19 management by the district administration and police, Tripathy said the recovery rate in the district has gone up to 27% which is higher than state average.

“Since around 74% of COVID-19 positive persons are preferring home isolation, I have directed the district administration to keep a track of their health condition and undertake their counselling. Besides, those undergoing test for COVID-19 should be informed about the result, positive or negative, in 24-48 hours. The
Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC)( has been told to launch a social awareness campaign on the disease,” Tripathy said.

The chief secretary was accompanied by additional chief secretary, Health and Family Welfare department Pradeepta Kumar Mohapatra.