Data presented at a health session by the administration on Tuesday revealed that Chandigarh has only 11 non-oxygen beds and 21 oxygen beds per 10,000 population.

The data was shared during the session of a workshop called “Future Ready Chandigarh 2030 and Beyond”. It also showed that there are only four ventilator beds and five ICU beds per 10,000 population, and a mere 20 doctors per 10,000 people in the city.

The administration also mentioned that there are only 27 nurses per 10,000 people and the city has only six fully-equipped ambulances. The average daily number of OPD patients in the hospitals was reported as 6112 and that for in-patient departments as 257.

The officials also stressed on the need for more tertiary care centers during the session. The administration stated that the existing health infrastructure in the city was excellent but inadequate owing to the pressure faced due to patient load from neighboring states. 

Nearly 70-80% of COVID-19, dengue and malaria patients coming to the UT were from adjoining areas. Chandigarh’s health secretary said that there was a need for better health infrastructure in the neighboring states also so that pressure could be reduced on Chandigarh.

It was also mentioned during the session that infrastructure, equipment, manpower, and drugs need to be planned simultaneously. A discussion on strengthening of peripheral centers was also held, with special emphasis on emergency services, and the staff hired as regular employees rather than on contract.

The city administration said that it intends to consider teleconsultation, digital connectivity, e-hospitals, e-offices and an expanded range of services at Health & Wellness Centers, which will include emergency, oral, eye, mental, ENT services and elderly and palliative care.

Discussing about COVID preparedness, it was stated that Chandigarh was divided into four zones and rapid response teams were formed, which include one doctor and paramedical staff. They have received adequate training for screening and transport of suspected cases. The team also has a laboratory technician.

Source: The Indian Express