The second wave of Covid-19 has turned out to be deadlier than the first wave seen last year. The number of deaths and an exponential rise in the number of COVID positive cases has put extreme pressure on the healthcare infrastructure in the country. In this scenario, how well is the country poised to deal with the onslaught of the second wave of Covid-19?
“The second wave has taken us all by surprise by its sheer magnitude. I don’t think we were prepared for an emergency of this kind. The medical infrastructure is working at a stretch and we’re working tirelessly to save one more life and admit one more patient,” Commander Navneet Bali, Director of Northern Region at Narayana Health Multispecialty Hospital, told Money9 in an exclusive interview.
Reports of lack of oxygen cylinders, severe scarcity of ICU beds are doing the rounds. How can the authorities address this?
“A crisis like this is similar to a war zone. There is no other choice but to face it hands on. We need to add more ICU beds plus oxygen cylinders in the hospitals on priority. Secondly, we must immediately free nurses, paramedics and doctors who are on the verge of completing their education. This will boost the manpower. Thirdly, supply chain of essential drugs like Remdesivir must be augmented quickly,” Bali explained.
He specifically stressed on the importance of bulking up oxygen beds and enough manpower to tackle the unprecedented number of cases being registered every day.
The Delhi government has tied up with several hotels to convert them into hospital beds in order to cater to as many patients as possible. Applauding the idea, Bali said the move will reduce some burden from the hospitals which are already overflowing with patients.
“This is an excellent model. Old and helpless people who require medical attention can be taken to such make-shift hospitals for the time being. Later, even oxygen supply may be provided here, if required,” he asserted.
Watch the full interview here:
