Watch: Manipur govt to open 600-bed COVID-19 care centre in Imphal

Imphal: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Friday inspected a 600-bed COVID-19 care centre at Manipur Trade and Expo Centre, Lamboi Khongnangkhong in Imphal West district to address the rapid rise of coronavirus cases in the state.

Earlier, during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the centre with 300 beds and four blocks was utilised to treat COVID-19 patients.

According to Singh, the COVID-19 care centre will start functioning from May 8.

During the visit, the chief minister was accompanied by deputy speaker Kongkham Robindro, advisor to CM (health) Dr Sapam Ranjan and principal secretary (health) V Vumlunmang.

Taking to his official Facebook page, Singh said: “I have been limiting my on-ground inspections for some time as my visit generally tends to draw certain number of officials and general public. But when my people are facing a difficult time, I can’t just sit back in my bungalow to review the preparation that are being taken up across the state.”

Happy to be at service for everyone in these challenging times, he added.

Singh also interacted with Imphal West DC Th Kirankumar and health department officials, who were present at the centre, about the ongoing arrangement being made at the centre. He also discussed matters regarding cleanliness, proper disposal of waste generated at the centre and duty roster of the health workers to be employed at the centre, among others.

The chief minister further appealed the doctors present at the centre to render their services with dedication and commitment as they have a crucial role in successfully fighting the pandemic and saving the lives of the people.

Also read: Manipur lockdown: Greater Imphal containment zone until May 16. See details

The chief ministerial team also visited the Babina Specialty Hospital in Imphal East and inspected the infrastructure where a COVID-19 treatment block would be opened for treatment of COVID patients.

According to CM Singh, the block would be opened with around 30 beds and five Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds for treating COVID-19 patients. It will be operational from Saturday, it said.

Singh also paid a visit to the newly constructed Iland Hospital located at Canchipur and looked at the infrastructure and facilities available at the hospital. The hospital will also be used for treatment of the COVID patients with 70-bedded. It will be functional from Monday onwards, it said.