Nagaland government asks private hospitals to reserve 50% of beds for Covid patients

Dimapur, May 5 (EMN): In the wake of steep spike in the number of Covid-19 cases and those requiring hospitalisation, the government of Nagaland has asked the private hospitals to reserve at least 50% of beds for treatment of Covid patients to meet the emergency requirements.

The decision was taken after discussing the projected number of intensive care unit (ICU) beds, oxygen-supported beds and ward beds in the state Covid war room, according to an order issued by the department of Health and Family Welfare on Wednesday.

The department added that it had discussed with the representatives of private hospitals about the need for mobilising resources available in their facilities on May 3 and the 4th to ensure effective management of Covid-19 patients.

All private hospitals have been directed to:

• Provide for treatment of Covid-19 patients as per the SOP.
• Reserve at least 50% of the bed capacity of the normal wards and the ICU available with the private hospitals for treatment of Covid patients.

The Health department stated that the District Task Force would ensure compliance of the order.

Treatment charges

The treatment charges for management of Covid-19 patients in private hospitals must be at a reasonable rate.

“The additional charges on account of requirement for treatment of Covid-19 patients over and above the normal charges for the same service for non-Covid patients provided by the hospital should transparently charged and be reasonable,” read the order.

“The rates must be notified by the concerned hospital authority and it must be displayed prominently for wide viability,” it added.

The department has also issued a detailed guideline for both government and private hospitals engaged in management of Covid cases like screening and testing, management of cases, referral, infection control, counselling, etc.