Coca-Cola plant turns COVID treatment centre

The 550-bed facility was set up at a cost of ₹1.10 crore

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated a COVID second-line treatment centre (SLTC) set up at the defunct Coca-Cola factory at Plachimada, Perumatty, on Thursday. Mr. Vijayan said the 550-bed facility would be a great fillip in the district’s fight against COVID. He praised Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Ltd. for providing the facility in 34 acres by spending the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds. The plant was closed down 20 years ago following protests from local people. Of the 550 beds, 100 have oxygen facilities and 20 ventilator facilities. Fifty of the beds are in the ICU. The centre has airconditioned readymade cabins, oxygen cylinder support for all beds, 1 kl oxygen tank which can be expanded to 2 kl, portable x-ray console, and round-the-clock COVID outpatient (OP) wing.