Hospital resource planning for the COVID pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Throughout the history of world, we have witnessed many epidemics and pandemics associated with considerable morbidity, mortality which has resulted in economic crisis and a massive collateral damage to humanity. In the backdrop of the policies and guidelines to handle any pandemics or epidemics, it is imperative that we strengthen the core public health infrastructure. In this article, we have made an attempt to highlight the requirement of a health care facility which should have the capacity to handle 250 patients amidst an ideal and resource limited setting of containment and mitigation. Aims and Objective: To run a health care facility for treating 250 COVID-19 positive patients categorised into 3 levels. To use manpower in an ideal and resource limited scenario. Methods and Material: The hospital is divided into 3 levels and depending upon the severity. 150 beds are given to mildly symptomatic with risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, CKD, immunocompromised, age >60, requiring oxygen therapy and monitoring). 60 beds are given to patients moderately sick {mild ARDS patients}with continue requirement of oxygen by different other modes (high flow nasal cannula, protected non-invasive ventilation, active use of prone position) not responding to usual management. 40 beds are reserve for the patient requiring ventilatory support. Conclusion: The pandemic of COVID because of its infectious nature has burdened the healthcare system as well as safety of the care givers. The economic burden of consumable is far-far less as compared to the requirement of human resources and this challenge is faced globally.

Keywords

• covid
• pandemic
• resources
• personal protective equipment