MR Bangur Hospital — the biggest government Covid hospital in the state — has started referring asymptomatic patients to safe homes in direct consultation with the health department. According to the administration, the patients, who are asymptomatic and comparatively younger, are being referred to the safe homes for the last four days to free up beds at hospitals for the patients with dire needs.
A 47-year-old engineer from Sakuntala Park, who had spent four days at the MR Bangur Hospital, was surprised when some health officials enquired about his health on Monday. “They updated me on the status of my health and also informed my wife. They advised me to go to a safe home, saying there was nothing to worry as I am asymptomatic and recovering well,”he said.
On July 1, MR Bangur had 411 seats. By July 10, the number of seats had come down to 380. By July 16, there were 297 seats available. On Tuesday, despite several patients being already referred to the homes, the number of seats has come down to 242.
“We are shifting only those patients, who do not contract fever or have any other signs of Covid-19 for three consecutive days, to safe homes. We are trying to shift them to safe homes that are closer to their homes as well,” said Sisir Naskar, the hospital superintendent.
The official added that since last Saturday, around 40 patients have been shifted to the homes so far. The hospital has been given a list of five safe homes in different parts of the city, from Joka to Rajarhat, for shifting of the patients.
“These patients are all asymptomatic and are seemingly out of danger. The safe homes have medical attendants and in case they need hospitalization, we will admit them back again,” said Naskar.
Other Covid hospitals like Beleghata ID Hospital and Kolkata Medical College and Hospital, too are trying to follow the model.
Source: Times of India
