BMC ropes in private doctors to help cope with corona crisis

MUMBAI: The BMC has roped in the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to get private doctors to help out with the healthcare emergency in the wake of the Covid-19 crisis.

In a video-conference held between BMC officials, dean of medical colleges and IMA office-bearers, it was decided that IMA would give the BMC a list of 50 doctors, to begin with, who are willing to help the public healthcare system.

"We are holding talks with IMA and other health NGOs who can help us with either medical expertise of paramedical staff," said additional municipal commissioner Suresh Kakani.

The IMA's list of 50 doctors who have volunteered to help will be sent to the BMC on Wednesday, said IMA's Dr S Utture. "The public system would be under stress as its doctors and other medical staff have been working round the clock. It is important for the private sector to help out," said Dr Utture.

He said that within a few hours of putting out an appeal on WhatsApp groups, the IMA had managed to get a database of doctors ready to volunteer at public hospitals.

"The BMC has agreed to provide personal protection equipment of international standard for the doctors and even provide special training on how to handle Covid-19 patients," he added.

The BMC said that it would use the database of private doctors to call up doctors as and when required at its many isolation and quarantine centres.