Gujarat: Asymptomatic patients to be shifted to care centres

GANDHINAGAR: With a steep rise in the number of asymptomatic patients, the state government has decided to shift such cases to Covid care centres (CCCs) while the Covid hospitals will focus on those who need more intensive care.

Government officials said that since 70% to 80% of Covid patients are asymptomatic and do not face any serious threat, they will be shifted to CCCs in line with the Government of India guidelines. While this will reduce the burden on Covid-19 hospitals, patients with co-morbid conditions and other high-risk patients can be treated at Covid hospitals. In case asymptomatic patients develop any complications, they will be shifted to Covid hospitals. Jayanti Ravi, principal secretary, health & family welfare department, said: “Patients in Covid hospitals who are doing well will also be shifted to CCCs. The focus will be on vulnerable patients.”

The state government is making arrangements to lodge over 5,000 asymptomatic Covid patients at the Samras hostel and other facilities in Ahmedabad.

Ahmedabad, which is the worst affected because of the pandemic, has a 1,200-bed Covid hospital and an additional 22-bed facility at SVP hospital. The state government is adding 300 beds on Civil hospital campus and another 300 beds in SVP hospital. Moreover, three private hospitals of the city have been given approval to admit and treat coronavirus patients.