Delhi Government launches mobile app for checking vacant beds in nearby hospitals

Delhi government has come up with a mobile application “Delhi corona”, that would assist the people in tracking the availability of hospital beds and ventilators for COVID-19 patients.

The app says that it “plans to provide a single avenue to cater to all the needs and issues of the Delhi populace during these tough times. It contains a self-assessment tool, guidelines and important helplines to ensure well being of the users. The app also allows the user to view all COVID centres and access lockdown services like ration, e-pass and hunger/shelter relief centres”.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday claimed that the app is meant for the convenience of the residents of Delhi so that they can find out a hospital bed easily for any coronavirus victim.

Kejriwal stated that they have received complaints from the Delhiites about the troubles they have faced while getting someone admitted because of the insufficient beds in some hospitals. He said, “We want to ensure is that if people are infected and need hospitalisation, they don’t have to run from pillar to post to look for facilities. We have made arrangements”.

As per the data in Delhi government website, 6,656 hospital beds are available, with 2,692 occupied and 3,964 still empty. Currently, 302 ventilators are available for use, 38 are in use and the rest are vacant. The website provides details about all this in both government and private hospitals.

On Monday, the Kejriwal government has sealed the state borders for a week as a suggestion that the beds in Delhi government-run hospitals are specifically allotted to its citizens only. But relaxations are provided on other aspects such as the opening of markets, salons, barber shops etc.

“With borders opening up but Corona cases rising, can Delhi open its hospitals for treatment of ppl from across the country? Will, it put pressure on the capacity to handle Corona? Should Delhi’s hospitals be reserved for Delhi residents?- We seek ur suggestions,” Kejriwal tweeted.

Whether the hospital beds belong only to the Delhiites or not will be based on the feedback from the public, experts and other stakeholders. Helpline numbers (8800007722 and 1031) have also been provided by the government for placing their opinions and will accept suggestions until June 5.

Delhi has recorded 19,844 coronavirus cases till now. Kejriwal stated that the graph will only start declining by the end of July.