Ernakulam might require around 1,000 ICU beds, says surge plan

Transportation of oxygen, its storage an issue; COVID-19 caseload likely to go up to 40,000

A COVID-19 surge action plan prepared by the District Surveillance Unit (DSU) suggests that Ernakulam would have to roughly double the number of ICU beds it has presently, to handle the possible surge in cases over the next ten days. Based on the unit’s observations, around 1.5% to 2% of total cases at any point of time would need ICU admissions. The district might require around 800 to 1,000 ICU beds. The district now has 424 ICU beds set aside for COVID patients, and 317 of these are occupied, at both government and private facilities as of Wednesday morning. The plan flags transportation of oxygen, besides storage capacity at hospitals, as an issue. Sources said that although there is no shortage of oxygen, the demand is expected to grow further, and compatible tanks are necessary for transport, while storage tanks will be necessary at the destination facilities. The administration is attempting to improve production, transportation and storage. The production of medical oxygen is set to increase with BPCL being directed to ramp up production, and four plants coming up at government hospitals.