The Bengal government has decided to include isolation beds in all block primary health centres, rural hospitals and primary health centres with basic facilities after a sudden spike in Covid-19 cases in rural areas.

“All BPHC (block primary heath centres), RH (rural hospitals) and bedded PHCs (primary health centres) must have 5-10 (as per existing infrastructure) isolation beds for admission of suspected Covid-19/SARI (severe acute respiratory illness) patients,” reads an order issued by the director of health services.

On Saturday, the state reported the 58th consecutive day of rise in the total of active Covid-19 cases, with 19,436 new infections. The total number of deaths reported on Saturday was 127. The state has now over 1.25 lakh active Covid cases.

According to sources, coronavirus cases has reached an alarming level in the remote corners of the state. Hundreds of suspected Covid-19 patients are visiting hospitals located in rural areas daily.

As health infrastructure in the rural areas is not capable enough to treat serious Covid cases, the state government has decided to develop existing primary health centres into facilities where initial treatment could be provided to stabilise Covid patients.

Sources said the principal idea to include isolation beds in local heath centres is to give basic treatment to Covid-19 patients and stabilise their condition.

“Once their health becomes steady, the patients will be sent to dedicated Covid hospitals,” said a source.

The state health department has made it clear that all suspected coronavirus patients must undergo Covid-19 test and positive patients will have to be managed under Covid protocol in these local health centres.

The state health department has asked primary health centres to ensure that they have necessary oxygen supply and basic medicines for Covid patients.

A senior government official said: “Each of these health centres would have one or two ambulances in its disposal so that patients could be sent to dedicated Covid hospitals as soon as their condition is stabilised.”

The sources said that the initiative of having isolation beds was taken after it was found that people in rural areas were finding it difficult to get themselves tested after Covid symptoms developed and also faced trouble in getting beds at dedicated Covid hospitals even if their health deteriorated.

“This initiative would help in two ways. First, all suspected patients would get a place to get themselves tested. Second, in the case of Covid-positive patients who need immediate support of oxygen or medicines, the local health centres can step in with help,” said an official.