In a significant move to release pressure on Lucknow’s overburdened medical infrastructure, the COVID hospital developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation, will start admitting patients from today. Established in a record time of two weeks, this 500-bed facility at Awadh Shipgram has been built after the Lucknow MP, who is also the Defence Minister of the country, issued orders in this regard.
Medical & paramedical staff from Indian Armed Forces to be deployed here
With the addition of the units at this centre, the count of beds in the city stands augmented to 7,000, as per reports. DRDO Director, Narendra Kumar Arya, said, “The makeshift hospital at Awadh Shilpgram in Lucknow will be operational from Wednesday noon. The hospital has the capacity of 500 beds, including 150 ICU and 350 general beds which are also equipped with oxygen.”
Medical officers and paramedical staff from the Indian Armed Forces will take care of the patients at this complex. In addition to an oxygen plant, a centralised air-conditioning system aligned with WHO protocols, has also been installed in this makeshift hospital. Further, the life-saving care of ventilators is also available here for critically ill patients.
All patients willing to take admission in this latest centre will have to undergo the state procedure via Integrated COVID Command Centre (ICCC). This facility erected by the DRDO authorities, has been given a specific login ID and password for the ICCC web portal. The people will be furnished with all the details regarding the vacancy of beds on this platform but it is to be noted that admissions will be taken only through the consolidated process.
Free-of-cost treatment for COVID patients at this facility
After conducting an inspection of the hospital on Tuesday, the DM affirmed that the site will be equipped with continuous stocks of oxygen and provisions for a regular supply of electricity have also been made. Additionally, repetitive disinfecting drives shall assure sanitisation and cleanliness at this campus.
According to the statements issued by the DRDO doctor, free-of-cost treatment will be given at this facility. He also mentioned that no charge will be levied for the food and medicines offered at this centre. Further, there are additional arrangements for the relatives of the patients on the premises.
Given the current situation, the facility will not be inaugurated formally but the CM will tour through its premises as the hospital becomes functional today. Previously, DRDO has successfully constructed such establishments for COVID patients in Delhi and Ahmedabad too.
