New Delhi: The Centre said on Thursday that it is preparing in terms of beds and health infrastructure to deal with a daily surge of 4.5-5 lakh Covid-19 cases. There are currently 8.3 lakh beds available, with an additional 9.8 lakh isolation beds for Covid-19 patients. Furthermore, 4.8 lakh beds are oxygen supported, and 1.3 lakh ICU beds are available, according to Niti Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul.
However, the government maintained that the preparedness is only to ensure that people receive treatment and care in the event of a resurgence. “It doesn’t mean we’re saying it (resurgence in terms of number of cases) will, should, or can happen,” Dr Paul clarified.