17 December 2020 07:03 am
The talks are underway to allow private hospitals to accommodate Covid-19 infected persons in near future, Army Commander Shavendra Silva said.
He told Daily Mirror that the arrangements had been made under the directive of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.
The discussions in this regard commenced considering the people who are reluctant to receive treatment from Government hospitals but still can afford to get treatment from private hospitals.
The Army Commander said a number of requests of this regard has reached them.
“Accordingly, private hospitals have been asked to submit their proposals in this regard. Several proposals fulfilling required requisites have been already reached the Task Force,” he said.
“However, it has been decided that Covid patients who are willing to get treated from private hospitals would be accommodated not in hospitals but in luxury hotels considering other patients being treated at those private hospitals,” he underlined.
The Army Commander said the private hospitals had to coordinate with the respective hotel managements and arrange the facilities to treat Covid patients plus they also could set up an Intensive Care Centre (ICU) depending on the conditions.
“In addition, if there are patients under critical condition, they can be transferred to any Government hospitals,” he said.
The Commander stressed that the whole process would be monitored and also people involved in the process would be guided by the Government authorities.
“The final decision of this is to be taken by next week, he concluded. (Sheain Fernandopulle)