PANAJI
As a step-up hospital, the Majestic Pride Covid Care Centre at the Campal Indoor Stadium opened its doors for the medium severe patients infected by Covid.
“With seven doctors, five expert consultants, five resident medical officers, two dieticians, two physiotherapist, 45 nurses and other required medical staff on board, and free food for the patients, the 60-bedded hospital is free for anybody and everybody, to directly call us on 7507775003, approach and get admitted,” announced Shrinivas Nayak, director, Majestic Group of Hotels and Casinos.
The group has dedicated Rs 4.5 crore for this humanitarian project and Rs 2.5 crore have already been spent on the infrastructure and medical equipment, informed the director.
While speaking to The Goan, Nayak briefed on the facilities that would be provided to those admitted. “Currently, we are equipped with two ambulances, an RT-PCR testing machine, two non-invasive ventilators, enough oxygen cylinders and other necessary medical equipment and the hospital is already operational,” stated Nayak, adding, “While most of the equipment has arrived and installed, some are yet to arrive in a day or two. We had to fly most of the equipment from outside, as shops were shut due to curfew in the State.”
Nayak also shared on how the concept came into existence, after some of the directors were tested Covid positive in May and had to be home quarantined. “During that quarantine period we thought of this project and soon after, from May 3 onwards we began working on it. It took us approximately eight days to make arrangements, losing two days in between to the cyclone,” shares Nayak.
For blood tests, the hospital has tied up with a diagnostic centre and free food will be provided to all the patients. The team of doctors will monitor the patients and handle major critical requirements regarding their health. An 80-ton air-conditioner is also installed at the venue, which is brought on rent. Apart from Nayak, other directors from the group, Rahul Khetrapal, Rajat Gulati, Ravi Kesar also are associated with the project, though it is left to the team of doctors on board to handle the Covid Care Centre.
“Our gesture intends a pure charity purpose, not for any fame or applause. This is the need of the hour. So, we thought, as a group, we owe to society and it's time to give back and extend a helping hand in these crisis situations. The government is already overburdened and doing its best. Now, we have to play our part,” said Nayak, who is thankful to the State government machinery, including the North Goa Collector, deputy collector, Mayor of Panaji, and the Chief Minister and his OSD Atmaram Barve for helping to speed up the licencing procedures. “Criticising the administration or medical fraternity on social media is easy, but stepping into their shoes and experiencing what they are undergoing, is different. We thought of being a part of the solution, and not the problem,” concludes Nayak.
