March 19, 2020
Government and private health services have to fight together: Mamata Banerjee
Today, Mamata Banerjee addressed a meeting with representatives of government and private healthcare executives in the state. She discussed with everyone and suggested it is the best to prevent the spread of the virus, further.
Here are some points from her speech:
Sorry for calling you all at such a short notice, but the situation is such
Public and private sector must work together
ICMR guidelines on medical intervention still awaited, but we must act as soon as it comes
Create a WApp group so that coordination is possible between all hospitals and health dept officials
New cancer hospital at Rajarhat should also treat positive cases as ID hospital has too much load with suspected cases as well
Sanitised ambulances will be kept standby at ID hospital and other hospitals so that patients can be taken to relevant hospitals quickly
This is not the time to fight with each other (referring to squabbles in line this morning at ID)
No. of isolation beds at ID and other hospitals to be increased
ID 100 beds, Bangur 150 beds and RG Kar hospitals to be reinforced. Night shelter at RG Kar to be converted to 50-bed ward temporarily
We need private hospitals situated near Beleghata ID to set up isolation wards along with ventilator machines. So far 300 ventilation machines have been requisitioned
There is no need at all for panic, but people are naturally getting worried; we must convey that we are prepared
This is not the time to profit from the situation; hoarding and black marketing will not be tolerated
2 lakh masks and 30,000 gloves have already been ordered; other equipment like special gowns as well
Such infrastructure should be in place in private hospitals as well
Patients will have to be treated; they should not be refused
Request to police to act against rumour-mongers and hoarders
We must work 24×7 now to contain the situation
Central govt kits yet to arrive; will request Centre for this as well as setting up of labs in North Bengal districts
Pvt sector can also contribute to the Covid-19 fund set up by state govt
Shops and markets will remain open
Interstate and international entry points will continue to be cross-checked to track possible transit of infected persons
Confusion over who has to wear masks – all who ask for masks will have to be given. So give order for 2 lakh more masks; we will not limit ourselves on this account
Request doctors and technicians to work on weekends as well
Medica, RN Tagore to set up 5-bed isolation wards; Bel Vue has 8 isolation beds, another 12 can be developed if needs be;
All hospitals requiring equipment to please place their requisitions with health dept
All hospitals to have updated information on daily basis, from beds available to no. of patients admitted
Region-wise assignment of senior officers has been done today to coordinate all activities for the containment of Coronavirus throughout the state: CM
