PANJIM: Stating that the Super Speciality Block (SSB) will accommodate patients who require medical attention on high priority, Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) Dean Dr Shivanand Bandekar said that as part of the first phase, 150 beds will be kept at SSB that has a capacity of 500 beds.
The Dean was speaking to the media after inspection of the oxygen supply and works underway at SSB with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary on Sunday.
Stating that they are trying to target opening SSB in a week’s time, Bandekar explained that currently work on putting the power and water connection is underway.
He admitted that there is a requirement for more beds and that SSB will have ICU beds with oxygen supply as part of its first phase. Two floors of SSB are being prepared for the same.
He added that SSB will continue to cater to the additional requirements of GMC and will have other facilities as well.
Regarding the oxygen supply, he said there is a 20,000 litre tank being built at SSB, which is the biggest in the State for storing liquid oxygen.
Bandekar also said that there is ample oxygen supply at present with even spare oxygen trolleys, which were shown to the CM and that there was no need to worry about this at present.
Speaking on the letter that was sent by the Goa Association of Resident Doctors to the government, seeking separate accommodation facility for doctors who tested positive for COVID-19, Bandekar said the Health Secretary had already received their application, which is being processed.
He said that a facility will be made available for the doctors, likely to be located in Panjim and that the arrangements in place would be similar to those that were there during last year’s pandemic.