Bhubaneswar: At a time when Odisha is reporting a record number of 4000-plus Covid cases almost every day now, allegations have poured in from all parts of the State that the health infrastructure is undergoing a major crisis due to lack of hospital beds. Precisely, patients in the Twin Cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar have also been alleging that there is shortage of beds in hospital intensive care units (ICUs) and general wards.
The situation is such that a large number of Covid patients are being referred to Bhubaneswar and Cuttack hospitals, which allegedly has led to mismanagement at the facilities here.
Amid such concerns, the State Health Department has reportedly come up with a clarification on shortage of beds at the hospitals.
As per data provided by the government, around 46 per cent of total ventilator-beds in hospitals across the State are filled up, while only 48% ICU beds, and 56% general beds have been occupied as of now.
In Bhubaneswar hospitals, 78% general beds are occupied which means still 22% general beds are vacant for the patients. Apart from this, 42% ventilators, and 51% ICU beds are vacant in the capital city. There are 39% general beds, 15% ventilators, and 45% ICU beds vacant in Cuttack, stated government data.
However, people termed it as an eyewash citing that the data is misleading.
"Rubbish and hogwash statement from health department. Reality is very very scary! I have myself seen & experienced. High time the Naveen government accepts failure in controlling this pandemic! Immediate and indefinite lockdown is the need of the hour for Bhubaneswar," a tweep said.
"This is a big lie. Ask the patients who are working at Covid hospitals," said another.
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