'Delhi Corona' app for info on Covid bed availability

New Delhi: Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday launched the 'Delhi Corona' app that will give information to patients about the availability of beds in private and government hospitals.

He said if the patients are unable to get a bed despite the app showing availability at a hospital, they can call on helpline number 1031 and Special Secretary (Health) will ensure they are given a bed.

Kejriwal said the app will fill the information gap that exists regarding the availability of facilities for novel Coronavirus patients.

"There are many places where Coronavirus has spread in a big way. There were shortage of beds, ventilators and ICUs, leading to a large number of deaths," he said in an online briefing.

"In Delhi, cases are increasing but we have made sufficient arrangements for ventilators and beds in hospitals. We are several steps ahead of Coronavirus," the Chief Minister said.

According to him, 6,731 beds are available in private and government hospitals, out of which 4,100 are vacant.

"People are not aware of it," he said, adding, "we are launching an app today and it has details of all the beds, ventilators and ICUs available at private and government hospitals."

It will be updated twice during the day at 10 am and 6 pm, he added.

Kejriwal said if the app showed that a bed was available at a hospital but the facility refuses admission, the patient could call the government helpline number 1031 and register a complaint.

The Health Department Special Secretary will ensure that the person gets a bed, Kejriwal said.