Delhi cabinet approves proposal to create over 7,000 new ICU Beds
This move will also help in tackling the third Covid-19 wave.
Delhi cabinet has approved a proposal to create over 6,800 new intensive care unit (ICU) beds at seven facilities over the next six months. There are around 10,000 ICY beds across Delhi government hospitals at present. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal said that the capacity will be increased by 70% with 6,836 new beds. The beds will be added to existing as well as proposed new hospitals at a cost of Rs 1,260 crore.
The Shalimar Bagh facility will get 1,430 beds, Kirari facility will get 458, GTB Hospital will get 1,912. Over 1,565 beds will be added in Raghubir Nagar, 610 beds at Chacha Nehru Bal Chikitsalay in Geeta Colony, and 525 beds at the Sultanpuri facility.
Kejriwal said, “Delhi government hospitals at present have a capacity of 10,000 ICU beds; a 70% increase is being made to this number. This is not an easy task. Within a period of 6 months, these beds will be ready. This move will also help in tackling the third Covid-19 wave, on the other if the wave does not come, they will act like additional beds for regular treatment.”
Three main buildings will be added in the new facility – emergency, outpatient clinics, and ward blocks – and a services building including space for pressure-swing adsorption oxygen plants or oxygen tanks and multi-level car parking. There has been created provisions to add more floor in the future.
Delhi administered over 1,85,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses on August 28, the highest in a day since June 29.