Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai (SS)

Mumbai, Apr 21: Since the beginning of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) had restricted the admission of other patients in hospitals having positive COVID-19 patients and staff. This created a major problem as often, hospitals had to turn down patients with serious ailments.

During a video conference, doctors raised this concern with the BMC chief Praveen Pradeshi and asked for a solution. They added that not admitting other patients could lead to several issues during emergencies as well as for those who need regular treatment for their ailments. Considering all this, Pradeshi granted permission to the hospitals to admit non-COVID-19 patients, while also giving instructions to concentrate on sanitizing and fumigating the hospital wards before patients are admitted.

There have been complaints from patients who have not been able to visit their regular doctors due to the restriction in admission of those not affected by COVID-19. However, now they shall be given admission. We will ensure cleanliness and sanitation in order to restrict the spread of COVID-19, said a senior civic officer.

The corporator from E ward, including areas of Byculla and Dockyard Road and Bhiwandi MLA, Rais Shaikh are unsatisfied with the working of the BMC. They addressed a letter to the chief, Praveen Pradeshi and expressed concerns on the worsening situation in E wards. As of April 19, there were over 200 positive cases, 600 high-risk, more than 2,500 low-risk and around 25 COVID-19 deaths in the ward. He also added that the number of tests being conducted had decreased from earlier and that the officials were not up to the mark in tracing the contacts.