G20 Summit: Eight hospitals on high alert, 80 teams of medicos deployed at hotels

In preparation for the upcoming G20 Summit in Delhi, Health Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj has announced heightened medical readiness measures involving both government and private hospitals.

A total of five government hospitals and three private medical facilities have been placed on “high alert” as stated by Bharadwaj during a meeting at the Delhi Secretariat. The G20 Summit is scheduled for September 9-10.

To ensure effective healthcare services for the event, the Delhi health department has organised 80 teams of doctors and nursing staff. These teams will be responsible for attending to the needs of guests residing in various hotels. Among these teams, 75 will be working in shifts, ensuring round-the-clock coverage.

The major government hospitals included in the heightened alert are Lok Nayak Hospital, GB Pant Hospital, GTB Hospital, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital, and Babasaheb Ambedkar Hospital. Additionally, the private medical facilities on alert are Primus Hospital Chanakyapuri, Max Hospital Saket, and Manipal Hospital Dwarka.

Bharadwaj outlined the specific provisions made by these hospitals, such as reserved rooms and beds, to address potential medical situations that may arise during the G20 Summit. He clarified that while the preparations are prioritised, all hospitals are ready to respond as needed.

In view of accommodating foreign guests attending the Summit, the city health department has assigned 80 teams of doctors and nursing staff to various hotels across Delhi. Each hotel will have three teams working in eight-hour shifts, with five backup teams available for deployment in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Bharadwaj assured that healthcare arrangements for foreign guests will not be compromised. He mentioned the availability of 106 well-equipped ambulances on high alert, ready to transport patients to hospitals in case of medical emergencies. These ambulances are equipped with necessary life-saving facilities.

The selection of the three private hospitals for the heightened alert status is based on their proximity to hotels where foreign guests will be staying. This decision ensures quick access to medical care in situations where immediate hospitalisation is essential and transporting patients to more distant hospitals could pose risks.

The meeting, which assessed the healthcare arrangements for the G20 Summit, was attended by the Delhi Health Secretary, medical directors of the five designated government hospitals, and other officials. (With inputs from PTI)