SKIMS Bemina ready to receive COVID-19 patients: Dr Riyaz Untoo

SRINAGAR — Days after government’s announcement to convert several major hospitals into COVID-19 sanatorium, SKIMS Medical College, Bemina has made all arrangements to receive coronavirus patients for the treatment.

Government has announced to convert SKIMS Medical College, Bemina, CD Hospital Srinagar, JLNM Hospital, Srinagar and several other hospitals as COVID-hospitals.

Principal SKIMS Medical College, Bemina Dr Riyaz Ahmad Untoo said the hospital has made all the arrangements to receive patients from Tuesday.

“SKIMS Bemina will be available for major treatment for COVID-19 patients. But screening, diagnosis won’t be done here. If there is any COVID-19 patient in any hospital and there may be shortage of space, he or she could be admitted here for the treatment,” Dr Riyaz said.

He said it was not possible to make screening at SKIMS Bemina. “Only those patients who are coronavirus positive can be treated here but not for quarantine,” he said.

He said they will provide protective gear to doctors and nurses who have to treat COVID-19 patients.

Government has already closed routine activities in identified hospitals and converting others into isolation and quarantine facilities to face any eventuality.

The newly constructed IPD blocks in the District Hospitals of Ganderbal, Pulwama, Shopian, and Kupwara are also being used for stepping up isolation beds.

The government is also utilizing the services of NHM/ISM doctors and Mid-level health providers (MLPs) from Health and Wellness Centre to augment the manpower on the ground.