Navi Mumbai: In response to the increasing spread of COVID-19, Panvel Municipal Corporation has ordered all related agencies to stay fully prepared. Municipal Commissioner and Administrator Mangesh Chitale, who recently chaired a special meeting, emphasized readiness and gave detailed instructions to strengthen COVID care infrastructure across the city.
The corporation has set up a 100-bed COVID Care Center (CCC) isolation ward at YMT College’s Nimisha Hospital, along with 30 oxygen beds and 6 ICU beds at Kalamboli Dedicated COVID Hospital (DCH). Additionally, 50 beds each have been reserved at the Sub-District Hospital Panvel and MGM Hospital, ensuring a total of at least 200 oxygen-equipped beds are available.
Panvel’s MOL Expert RT-PCR lab is fully operational with a daily testing capacity of 1,500 samples, supported by adequate supply of chemicals and resources. Special tracing and testing teams, along with medical staff at COVID centers, have been placed on standby.
"The corporation is maintaining a sufficient supply of oxygen through established contacts with suppliers and has ensured that all necessary patient care materials such as food, bedding, and medicines are stocked at CCC centers," a health officer from Panvel Municipal Corporation, said.
For emergency response, five Basic Life Support (BLS) ambulances are ready, with two Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances in process. The "Panvel Connect" mobile app integrates ambulance services, including government and private fleets, to facilitate quick patient transport, the officer added.
A 24x7 call center has been launched to assist residents, and municipal oxygen plants are being inspected and activated to meet increased demand. Private hospitals and laboratories have been directed to promptly report COVID cases, while health officials monitor Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infection (SARI) cases across the area.
"The COVID task force will convene next week to review emerging virus variants and necessary precautionary measures," the officer said.
