Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), the largest state hospital, added 528 beds on Thursday to double its capacity, something chief minister said was a result of the state governmen's efforts to ramp up the health infrastructure in the face of a deadly pandemic.

Of the 528 new beds, 327 are oxygen supported that have been set up at the multi-level parking on RIMS campus. This apart, another 128 oxygen supported beds have been set up at the old building while 73 ICU beds have been put up at the oncology department. The new facilities were set up with the support of National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), said officials.

“With the new additions, we will now have 850 oxygen beds, more than double the 402 beds which we had till now. As far as ventilators are concerned, these will now get increased to 250 from 160. We are also working on plans to add another 108 oxygen beds,” said Rims director Kameshwar Prasad.

Chief minister Hemant Soren at the online launch of beds at RIIMS, Ranchi on Thursday. The Telegraph picture

During the first wave of the pandemic last year, RIMS had, on an average, 250 beds exclusively for Covid-19 patients. However, since the outbreak of the brutal second wave during the end of March this year, RIMS officials worked on a war footing to augment facilities to accommodate more patients, Prasad said during Thursday's online inauguration.

“When the second wave hit, we had about 260 covid beds in March, which we increased to 650 during April. Now, we are adding 528 more beds. Unlike last year, the second wave is more lethal. It is not just infecting people at a greater speed but also complicating the health condition at a faster pace, which is a cause of stress for all. All those who are admitted need proper care and observation. But with growing cases, paucity of beds is only natural. However, with support of the government, RIMS is trying its best to increase capacity," said the director.

While chief minister Hemant Soren viewed the proceedings online from his home, health minister Banna Gupta, accompanied by officials, were present at RIMS.

Hemant said that the state health machinery was working round-the-clock. “It’s a war against time and I am happy that RIMS and all government officials are working hard to address the challenges. It’s commendable the way everyone got together to set up the new facilities in just a fortnight," he said.

“On Wednesday, we launched a 250-bed hospital in Koderma district. A few days back, we added another 140 beds in Ranchi. Similar efforts are on in other districts too. Other medical facilities are also being enhanced despite resource crunch,” he said.

Covid hospital at Ranchi Press Club

Picture by Manob Chowdhary

Preparations have started for the Birsa Munda Covid Care Multifacility Hospital in the Ranchi Press Club.

The Ranchi Press Club of Jharkhand will be the first such institute where a Covid Hospital is being set up for individuals working for the media.

Beds and medical equipment have already been installed on the ground floor of the club. The hospital will be ready in the next four days.

The 40-bed hospital, in collaboration with Ranchi Press Club and Mission Blue Foundation, will have all modern medical equipment including beds with oxygen support, ventilators, ICUs and ambulances. Specialist doctors and a team of around 50 para medical staff will be present round the clock at the hospital.