In order to fight against novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, the Assam government will build five hospitals in two months even though no positive case has been detected in the state yet.
“We are planning to build five pre-fabricated hospitals in collaboration with private companies to meet this emergency situation. The project might cost around Rs 40-45 crore, which shall be met with the help of donations from government agencies, MPs, public and state resources,” said Assam Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma while addressing a presser in Guwahati.
The tender for construction of these hospitals is being floated with a deadline in the next 48 hours. Each hospital will have a life of four years and be a 300-bedded facility with ICU and other required infrastructure, he informed.
“During the last few days, the State MPs have donated funds to fight against the coronavirus outbreak. The government employees also have wished to donate a days’ salary. We have also given a bank account for donations. We plan to build four hospitals with public donations, and the remaining one with government fund,” Sarma added.
The 300-bed hospitals are likely to come up in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, Lower Assam and Barak Valley.
“Till now, there has been no confirmed case of COVID-19 in Assam. If in the next seven days the state doesn’t see any positive cases, then we can expect that the situation is getting back to normal,” the Minister said.
Sarma also informed that 620 final year medical students shall be given seven-day intensive training on treatment of COVID-19 patients. “Final year nursing students shall be deployed across six medical colleges in the state. The government shall take care of their food, lodging etc,” he said.
Till date, 308 cases have been tested for coronavirus strain in the state. Sarma also informed that the government shall restrict Gauhati Medical College and Hospital only for maternity, cancer and emergency care from March 28th, 2020.
“All other patients shall be redirected to private nursing homes and hospitals. Patients can also directly approach private clinics for free treatment. The govt will pay back private hospital as per Ayushman Bharat scheme,” he added.
Photo credit: @himantabiswa
