New Delhi, Jun 22 (IANS): Only seven hospitals in the national capital have earmarked more than 60 per cent beds for Covid-19 related treatment, as per a recent circular by the Delhi government.

According to a circular dated June 20, 108 hospitals are providing less than 60 per cent of the total bed capacity for treatment, while seven are providing from 80 to 110 per cent of the capacity.

Max Super Specialty Hospital has earmarked 80 percent beds for Covid-19 patients, Sir Ganga Ram Kolmet Hospital, Sir Ganga Ram City Hospital, Maha Durga Charitable Trust Hospital, Cygnus Orthocare, Bansal Global Hospital 100 per cent, and 110 per cent in Saroj Super Specialty Hospital.

"Presently, the following private hospitals shall charge at prescribed maximum per day package rates for Covid-related treatments on 60 per cent of the earmarked Covid beds and shall charge at their schedule rates on 40 per cent of the earmarked Covid beds," Dr. R.N. Das, Medical Superintendent, Nursing Homes stated in the circular.

The circular added: "The authorities of the aforementioned seven hospitals are directed to seek a written consent from a patient and attendant prior to admitting him or her under 40 per cent category at their schedule rates and the same shall be kept in record."

Meanwhile, the Delhi government order dated June 21 said that 100 per cent Covid beds shall be subsidised upto an upper limit of 60 per cent of total hospital capacity.

This means that out of the total number of beds, a maximum of 60 percent will be dedicated for Covid-19 patients and these will be provided to patients at subsidized rates.

The government had also fixed the cost of the isolation bed in any private hospital in the national capital in the range of Rs 8,000-Rs 10,000 and an ICU bed with a ventilator at Rs 15,000-Rs 18,000 per day.