Mock drills will be conducted on December 27 across Delhi to assess Covid-19 preparedness in hospitals. Availability of beds and manpower are among the key parameters for measuring Covid readiness in case of a surge in cases, according to an advisory issued by the Centre.
The drill will take place at hospitals run by the Delhi government such as the LNJP Hospital and other private hospitals such as Apollo Hospital in South Delhi's Sarita Vihar.
Delhi's deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia will also be present at the state-run LNJP Hospital when the mock drill is conducted to ascertain Covid preparedness of the facility, official sources said.
Any gaps would be addressed immediately by the health department officials', said Sisodia, who holds the health portfolio.
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The mock drills will assess bed availability, manpower, referral resources, testing capacity, medical logistics, telemedicine services and medical oxygen availability among other things, the advisory mentioned.
Real-time data on the availability of beds, oxygen cylinders and ventilators will be available for the public on a Delhi government portal from December 27, officials said.
LNJP Medical Director Dr Suresh Kumar said, "We are all set for the drill which will assess our preparedness to deal with any emergency situation related to COVID-19."
When asked about ramping up testing in the national capital an official disclosed that, "COVID-19 testing is also likely to be ramped up soon. At present, around 2,500 to 3,000 tests are being conducted daily in the city".
Delhi has recorded 2,007,159 Covid cases and 26,521 deaths since the pandemic started in early 2020. The number of daily cases has remained below 20 and the positivity rate below 1 per cent since mid-November, according to official data.
Referring to the surge in COVID-19 cases in some countries, the Union health ministry on Saturday underlined that it was necessary that requisite public health measures are put in place in all states and union territories to meet any exigencies.
(With Inputs from PTI)
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