PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Dec 7: The state’s first 100-bed inflatable Covid-19 field hospital on the premises of MGM Medical College and Hospital has failed to take off.
The field hospital was embroiled in controversy in October after a PVC tarpaulin structure collapsed due to some technical glitches.
Though the agency entrusted with the job carried out necessary repairs, so far the important health project failed to get inaugurated.
The 100-bed hospital meant only for Covid-19 patients was planned keeping in view the possible third wave.
Delhi-based firm – PT Medical Solutions – has completed erecting the inflatable structures made of fire retardant PVC tarpaulin on the premises of the Sakchi-based government heal hub.
Officials of the firm said that some technical glitches led to the blast which caused damage to the inflated structures.
A probe was also initiated in this regard.
In all, there are four units. Each of the units comprises 25 semi-fowler beds.
The beds are ergonomically designed with backrest functions and collapsible side rails to ensure patient safety.
Such an inflatable field hospital has a life of 25 years and that can be shifted anywhere as and when required.
The state health department had entrusted the job to American India Foundation ( AIF ) which roped in the Delhi-based firm for the hospital project.
Spread in around 12,000 sq ft area, the inflatable field hospital has 16 ICU beds with a ventilator facility, 30 oxygen ready beds and 54 general ward beds which can be converted into paediatric and ICU beds instantly, in case of a possible third wave.
It also has high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC ) oxygen delivery system required for patients on ventilators and Manifold Gas Pipeline System ( MGPS ) which will ensure oxygen supply in every bed.
Officials of the health department said the mishap delayed the project.
” With the threat of Covid’s third wave looming large, we are trying our best to ensure that the field hospital gets inaugurated as early as possible, ” said an official of MGM Hospital.
