‘Calm, But Cautious': UP Government Hospitals On Alert Amid Rising Covid Concerns
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Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while reviewing the state's preparedness recently, emphasised the need for vigilance
Amid a spike in Covid-19 cases reported in various parts of the country and globally, state-run hospitals and medical colleges in Uttar Pradesh have been directed to reserve at least 10 beds each for potential Covid-related emergencies.
The move comes as part of precautionary measures ordered by the state government, particularly following the detection of four Covid cases in Ghaziabad, including one hospitalisation.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, while reviewing the state's preparedness recently, emphasised the need for vigilance. 'There is nothing to worry about given the present situation in Uttar Pradesh, but being alert is significant," the CM stated, urging medical institutions to focus on readiness without causing panic.
He also instructed that the emergency response infrastructure developed during the Covid-19 waves in 2020 and 2021—such as oxygen plants, ventilator-supported beds, and ICU units—should be rechecked and kept functional.
The CM specifically cited the emerging JN.1 Covid variant, which has been detected in Thailand, Singapore, and Hong Kong, as a reminder that proactive steps must be taken. 'The Government of India has not issued any new guidelines yet, but we must not let our guard down," he said. He further advised health officials to monitor other vector-borne diseases like dengue, malaria, and kala-azar, which remain seasonal challenges in the state.
HOSPITALS BEGIN GROUND-LEVEL PREPARATIONS
In compliance with the directives, government-run hospitals across the state, including key facilities in Lucknow, have started making arrangements. According to Dr. Rajesh Srivastava, Chief Medical Superintendent (CMS) at Shyama Prasad Mukherjee (Civil) Hospital, the 10-bed Covid ward is already in place.
'These beds were created during the earlier outbreak and remained ready. The facility is equipped with ventilators and oxygen supply and recently proved its utility when patients from Lok Bandhu Hospital were shifted here after a fire incident last month," Dr Srivastava said.
Meanwhile, Balrampur Hospital has not yet received formal orders but is prepared to act as soon as directions are issued. 'We have not received an official order yet, but will comply immediately once it comes," said Dr. Himanshu Chaturvedi, Medical Superintendent, Balrampur Hospital.
The state's 44 government medical colleges have been asked to submit a comprehensive status report via a Google Sheet, listing essential supplies and emergency infrastructure. These include bed availability, ventilator support, stock levels of gloves, testing kits, key medications, and staff strength. Each institution has also been instructed to prepare staff duty rosters to ensure round-the-clock emergency care capability.
'Preparations in advance can make all the difference during a health emergency. The goal is not to alarm but to be ready," said a senior health department official, adding that past experiences from the pandemic had demonstrated the importance of preparedness over reaction.
FOCUS ON OXYGEN PLANTS AND ICU INFRASTRUCTURE
The state government, during earlier Covid surges, had established over 1.20 lakh beds and set up more than 550 oxygen plants across hospitals and medical colleges. All such facilities have now been asked to undergo a status check and functional verification.
'Facilities created during the last waves of Covid-19 are an asset. They should be treated as active components of emergency response and not be allowed to fall into disrepair," said the official.
PUBLIC ADVISED TO STAY CALM BUT CAUTIOUS
While hospital-level preparations are being fast-tracked, the administration has reiterated that the public need not panic. 'Our systems are in place. From medical staff to oxygen support, we are capable of dealing with any situation that may arise," said an official at the Directorate of Medical Education.
Dr Anurag Verma, a senior epidemiologist based in Lucknow, said, 'The virus may be changing form, but our response strategy should be constant—test, trace, treat, and above all, prepare in advance."
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Lucknow, India, India
First Published:
May 27, 2025, 15:35 IST
News cities 'Calm, But Cautious': UP Government Hospitals On Alert Amid Rising Covid Concerns
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