Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday announced the launch of the Delhi Corona app that attempts to fasten the gap between the government’s pacts for COVID-19 medication and the availability of this data among people. The mobile app provides a live status on the number of hospital beds, ventilators, and ICU beds vacant in the city. The app also has an option to deal with the complaints of patients who are denied a bed in hospitals despite availability.
Delhi has now become one of the worst affected states in the country by crossing a mark of 20,000 positive COVID-19 cases. On this Delhi’s CM, in a digital press conference said “The cases of corona are growing but we have made provisions for patients to get appropriate treatment. We have been getting phones that patients are not getting beds, there is a gap in the information. There are 4100 beds empty today. To fill the gap, this app is being launched”.
As on Tuesday, there were 2819 beds out of 6731 beds and 92 ventilators out of 302 occupied. The app has information for 66 private and government hospitals. According to official data, approximately 4000 beds in Delhi hospitals are empty presently. The mobile app will indicate the availability of hospitals beds and ventilators in each hospital. Those without smartphones can also access the data through a mobile helpline – 1031. According to Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, the app will help lessen commotion and a patient who has been tested positive can immediately go to a hospital that has a bed vacant.
Pointing out the other features of the app Kejriwal said “Information on the app will be updated twice a day. We have made arrangements in case the hospital refuses treatment. You call 1031 where a call will be made to the special health secretary who will make sure you get a bed. Those with mild symptoms don’t need to be in hospitals. Approximately 7000 patients are recovering at home. There is a team which is in touch with them”.
The government has outlined a target of raising the total number of hospital beds to 9500 by 5 June. Hotels near hospitals have also been arranged to assist with the growing number of cases.