The state health department has sanctioned Rs 8.5 crore for setting up infrastructure in Alipurduar in anticipation of a possible third wave of the Covid-19 pandemic which is likely to lead to a spike in infections across Bengal and in the district.

According to sources in the health department, the fund would be used to develop seven hospitals for Covid patients in different locations of the district. Among these facilities, a Covid hospital with 100 beds will be built on the campus of the district hospital in Alipurduar town.

“The site has already been identified for construction of the new Covid hospital at the district headquarters. In addition, four other hospitals, each with a capacity of 20 beds, will come up on the campuses of four rural hospitals. Also, two six-bed facilities would be created in two other health centres of the district,” said Girish Chandra Bera, chief medical officer of health (CMOH) of Alipurduar.

He said that the 20-bed hospitals will come up in Uttar Latabari, Kamakhyaguri, Madarihat and Bhatibari while the six-bed facilities will be set up at the primary health centres located in Turturi and Shishujhumra.

“Around Rs 35 lakh would be spent for each 20-bed hospital, while for the remaining two facilities around Rs 20 lakh would be spent. The state PWD will soon start the construction work,” Bera said.

For the 100-bed hospital, the department will spend around Rs 7 crore. “Once the pandemic is over, all these hospitals would be used as extended facilities for other patients,” the CMOH added.

Residents of Alipurduar have welcomed the decision and simultaneously pointed out that unlike the state government, the Centre has not identified any district of north Bengal for construction of Covid hospitals.

“...allocations should also be made for north Bengal districts so that there is no shortage of facilities if the number of Covid cases rise in the coming days,” said a resident.