Coimbatore: Salem Government Super Speciality Hospital steadily ramps up testing and COVID management infrastructure
Despite taking to headlines for rodent infestation in its premises, Salem Government Super Speciality Hospital has steadily ramped up COVID testing and infrastructure.
Salem government hospital is one of the first and largest government hospital in the state to have 35,000 litres of liquid oxygen tank for COVID management", he informed - Dr. Balajinathan, Dean, Salem GH.
Since the pandemic outbreak, the hospital has increased its testing to 6,500 from 500, per day which, according to the Dean, is the third largest in the State.
After the outbreak of pandemic, many government and private hospitals in the state are focussed on improving and altering their infrastructure to suit COVID treatment. The hospital is keen on informing results on a timely manner and ramping up infrastructure and round-the-clock medical support, told Dr. Balajinathan, Dean of the hospital.
As of October 25, Salem recorded a total of 26,381 Covid-19 cases and successfully treated and discharged 24,138 patients. The number of active cases stood at 1,837, while the death toll remained at 406, according to the media bulletin released by the State health department.
The decline in new Covid cases across the western districts for the past few weeks has undeniably brought a sigh of relief amid people. However showing no lethargy of a possible second wave, the Salem GH management is keen on bettering infrastructure and ascertaining support staff requirements.
"Over the period, we have increased beds, oxygen tank capacities, liquid oxygen and the tests in accordance with the changing needs of the pandemic", he added.
"From 600 to 750, we have added mire beds and also converted Ophthalmology and NWS wards as COVID wards, recently. These wards have 300 beds. All the beds in Covid-19 ward have 100% oxygen support. Salem government hospital is one of the first and largest government hospital in the state to have 35,000 litres of liquid oxygen tank for COVID management", he informed.
Besides this, the hospital, unlike any other hospitals in the western districts, has a separate dialysis ward with a reverse osmosis (RO) plant unit and claims to treated cured almost 300 patients, during the pandemic situation.
The progress in the Hospital's infrastructure and management drives patients from Karur, Dharmapuri, Namakkal and Kallakuruchi areas. The hospital also has a follow-up clinic, which is referred to as post COVID clinic with four different experts - Physician, Rehabilitation Medicine expert, Dietician and Psychiatrist.
The Dean added that after Kilpauk Hospital in Chennai, Salem GH is the only hospital in Tamil Nadu to have a Rehabilitation Medicine expert in its follow-up clinic.
Third highest in the state to test more samples
Since the pandemic outbreak, the hospital increased its testing to 6,500 per day from 500, which, according to the dean, is the third largest in the state. So far, 3,70,000 PCR tests have been done, while Chennai and Madurai have just crossed the 4 lakh mark.
The Dean said the influx of inpatients have significantly reduced in October, compared to August to September. He recalled the situation in August to September when beds were full.
When questioned on a possible second wave of novel Coronavirus outbreak in Salem, the Dean said the chances are slim, yet we are fully prepared to handle the situation. He also hinted on herd immunity could be the reason for the sudden fall in cases.