Chandigarh: Key dept shifts to PGI’s Covid hospital bldg

Chandigarh: The drop in coronavirus infections has allowed PGI to shift the hepatology department to Nehru Hospital Extension that was converted into a Covid hospital.

“The radiotherapy will also shift there soon. These departments were to be housed in the building, but due to the pandemic, it could not happen,” said PGI director Prof Jagat Ram.

The premier medical institute has 24 Covid patients at the moment. “We have been waiting for the departments to function from the building for last almost two years. The space meant for our patients was given for Covid care,” said a hepatologist.

Sources said PGI will gradually hand over the building to other departments. “In case there is any upsurge, it will be difficult to vacate these departments again. So, hospitals in Sector 48 and GMCH should be able to manage,” said a faculty member in PGI.

The Nehru Hospital Extension started functioning in August in 2019. After seven months of its operation, the building having 250 beds was transformed into a Covid hospital in March 2020.