Dana brings 3rd disruption for pvt hosps after Bangla unrest, RG Kar
Times of India | 25 October 2024
Kolkata: After the Bangladesh violence and RG Kar protests, Cyclone Dana caused a third disruption for private hospitals in three months. Admissions and OPD footfall dropped sharply across Kolkata hospitals on Thursday as Dana approached, bringing rain to the city and surrounding districts before striking the Odisha coast on Thursday night. Fear of traffic disruption and suspension of local train services were behind the drop in attendance, said hospitals, some of which saw a 50% decrease in OPD footfall.
Many postponed their non-emergency admissions.
As the cyclone struck late on Thursday, the resulting disruptions could continue to affect patient flow even on Friday, feared many. At Manipal Hospitals, emergency protocols were activated across all its four units in the city to ensure safety and well-being of patients and staff. “From Thursday evening till the weather improves, we are fully prepared to handle any emergency admission and critical procedure. Our medical and EMT support teams are on standby and will stay back for the night. We are in constant coordination with local authorities to ensure smooth operations,” said Ayanabh DebGupta, regional COO, Manipal Hospitals East. Emergency medical teams stayed back at the hospitals on Thursday night.
OPD footfall dropped by 30%-32% at BP Poddar Hospital. “Planned admissions have been deferred. The number of OPD patients slid to 453 from the regular average of 620-660,” said group adviser Supriyo Chakrabarty. The hospital arranged for accommodation for resident medical officers, nurses, support staff, patient service teams and housekeeping staff. Some stayed back in the hospital to avoid commuting during and after the cyclone. “Our vehicles are on standby to ferry clinicians,” added Chakrabarty.
Peerless Hospital, too, has arranged for accommodation for support staff. “If necessary, we will arrange for transport to ferry doctors during and after the cyclone. So far, there hasn’t been any drop in OPD footfall or admission but both could slide on Friday. We have also kept generators ready in case there is a power outage,” said CEO Sudipta Mitra.
Admissions dropped by 20% at Desun Hospital on Thursday and OPD to half. “But our emergency services remained fully operational, and our medical staff are on standby to handle critical cases,” said Shaoli Dutta, director of Desun Hospitals. All planned surgeries slated for Thursday and Friday have been deferred, while half the OPD appointments have been postponed to ensure patients’ safety.
Charnock Hospital registered a marginal drop in OPD footfall and admission. “Adequate medicines and medical supplies have been secured. The hospital is supported by robust electrical backup systems, which will ensure continuous power supply for critical services. Telecommunication systems remain functional, and teleconsultation services are available,” said Charnock MD Prashant Sharma.