Following an IIT Kanpur research on a potential 4th wave around June-July, the civic authority has deconstructed four jumbo centers until the end of March.
Digital Desk: The BMC is still waiting for the State COVID-19 Task Force's recommendation on mega center closure after a week. The city had already closed four centers and was planning to deconstruct them, but the plan was put on hold after a recent IIT Kanpur study forecaster a fourth COVID wave across the country in June-July. While Task Force members have diverse opinions on the subject, some doctors believe the BMC should consider it. But, on the other hand, a few doctors believe that three to four giant centers will be sufficient to serve the metropolis in the event of a fourth wave. "It is too early for an opinion on the fourth wave," Task Force member and infectious disease expert Dr. Om Shrivastav stated. However, I believe the BMC should be cautious when dismantling the centers, especially considering countries such as China and Korea are seeing increased COVID-19 cases. Furthermore, as a metropolis, Mumbai attracts many international visitors. Thus, we must exercise caution. The BMC, on the other hand, will have to determine whether or not to close the centers. "We can maintain two or three centers open while closing the others," cardiologist and Task Force member Dr. Ajit Desai stated. Even if the number of cases increases, the existing centers will be able to cope." "Unless there is a novel variation, we are unlikely to see a substantial fourth wave." As a result, the BMC can shut down a few centers. Even if the number of cases rises, the remaining mega centers, as well as tertiary and peripheral hospitals, would be available," stated Dr. Avinash Supe, the death review committee's chairman. "We requested an opinion from the Task Force but haven't received an answer yet," said Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani. Even if we don't have any patients and face financial difficulties, we must exercise caution before making such major judgments. The four mega centers are currently on standby until the end of March when they will be demolished in stages." The city government spends a lot of money on the mega centers' rent and maintenance. According to BMC officials, current monthly expenses for the Mulund center are R4-4.5 crore, R3.4 crore for Dahisar, and R6.4 crore apiece for the Kanjurmarg and NESCO centers. According to health department data, only 421 COVID-19 patients are active in Mumbai, and only 237 of the 28,702 beds are filled. Also Read: Phone Tapping Case: IPS Rashmi Shukla moves to Bombay High Court to quash FIR
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