Aurangabad, March 18:
The Aurangabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) has sought a financial help of Rs 55 crore from the district administration to undertake various measures to tackle the Covid-19 emergency in the future. According to the sources, the money is sought to undertake a massive testing drive, provide treatment to COVID patients, provide them meals, and arrange medical infrastructure (including Covid Care Centres-CCCs equipped with all facilities).
Last year, the AMC had started many quarantine centres and CCCs as the rush of infected patients started in March 2020. To take all measures to control and tackle the Covid-19 pandemic, the civic administration had claimed an expense of Rs 45 crore. Of which, the AMC got a reimbursement of Rs 37.36 crore from the District Planning Committee (DPC) and the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). In the second wave, the Coronavirus is very contagious. Hence a large number of patients are getting infected. There were two CCCs started by AMC in the last month, but today the strength is 10-12 CCCs. Hence the demand of Rs 55 crore fund has been placed with the district administration, said the sources.
Details of expenses
Each new CCC comprises beds, cots, pillows, light, fans etc. Besides, the patients admitted for treatment is also given meals (including breakfast), tea, medicines etc. Apart from this, the civic administration has to arrange a team of dedicated doctors, nurses and other personnel to attend to these infected patients. The AMC has geared up to take the measures, although for some months, soon. Hence, a huge expense is required for the purpose. The AMC estimates an expense of Rs 22 crore on procuring medicines, necessary equipment and oxygen; Rs 25 crore to establish additional quarantine centres with state-of-the-art facilities and Rs 5 crore to pay electricity bills of the CCCs in the city, explained the sources.