Opposing the state government's plan to reserve 20 percent of the ICU beds in private hospitals for COVID-19 patients, the Goa chapter of the Indian Medical Association (IMA) on July 20 demanded setting up of a high-level committee of medical professionals to formulate a plan for comprehensive COVID-19 management outreach.

For our comprehensive coverage and latest updates on COVID-19 click here.

In a statement released late on July 20, the IMA also said that the private sector should not be roped in for the government's COVID-19 management plans just yet, claiming that government facilities are yet to be fully utilised for the purpose. "IMA Goa state and Association of Private Nursing Homes are pained by the decision forced down the throat of private doctors by the government. When government facilities are utilised maximum up to 75 percent, then private hospitals can essentially pitch in," the statement said, adding that reserving 20 percent beds in private ICUs for COVID-19 patients would result in the infection spreading to other COVID-19 negative patients.

Last week, the Chief Minister led administration had issued a circular directing all private hospital managements to set aside 20 percent of ICU beds in private health facilities for treatment of COVID-19 patients. "A high-level committee of doctors under the chairmanship of Director of Health Services should be formed which will report to the Chief Minister directly," the statement said, adding that the committee should formulate the state government's formal response to contain the pandemic and for the treatment of patients.

Disclaimer: Image used is for illustrative purposes only and does not represent a true or accurate depiction of the news report.