Odisha Hospitals Making Special Arrangements For COVID-19 Patients

Sambalpur/Cuttack: Hospitals in Odisha are gearing up to handle any coronavirus eventualities in the coming days. The Sriram Chandra Bhanja Medical College and Hospital (SCBMCH) is gearing up to tackle any possible outbreak of coronavirus in the state. VIMSAR at Burla has opened a dedicated outpatient department (OPD) and cancelled all surgeries for an indefinite period. Emergency surgeries will, however, be performed.

SCBMCH has already opened a 56-bed special isolation ward at the ophthalmology department to treat people infected with the deadly virus. It also has eight dedicated intensive care units (ICUs) for coronavirus patients.

It is reported that the hospital authorities have decided to open a new isolation ward for coronavirus patients and suspects at the building of a nursing college on SCBMCH premises. Sources said this isolation ward will have 200 beds. Hospital authorities will use the other five floors of the nursing college if the need arises.

In VIMSAR at Burla, at least 150 persons have been screened for coronavirus. The hospital has already designated two more nodal officers for managing the isolation ward and other issues related to coronavirus within the hospital. 

The OPD is being run under the supervision of these three nodal officers. Staff at the OPD have been instructed to wear masks and gloves while screening patients.