As number of COVID-19 positive cases is increasing in Nagpur police ranks, cops are struggling to get proper treatment as Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) has not yet authorised hospitals empanelled under Maharashtra Police Kutumb Argoya Yojana (MHKAY) for treating the life-threatening infection. At present, ten odd private hospitals in city are authorised by civic body to undertake COVID-19 management.

 

Taking note of the fact, Nagpur Police wrote a letter to Municipal Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe requesting him to immediately authorise private hospitals (entitled under MPKAY) so that policemen and their dependents can be treated for the novel coronavirus infection.

 

Officiating Joint Commissioner of Police (Joint CP) Nilesh Bharne initiated the correspondence with NMC on Thursday. A total of 47 policemen and seven police officers were infected with COVID-19. Of them, Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Bhagwan Shejul attached to Police Headquarters and Head Constable Siddharth Sahare became the first casualty of men in uniform for COVID-19 infection on Thursday. The two deaths within a single day hit the police force that has been at the forefront in COVID-19 management since last four months.

 

Of the 47 infected policemen, 18 are discharged, while 27 are being treated at various hospitals. While seven police officials are discharged and three are under home isolation but given the current spurt in positive cases all over the city, positive cases among men in uniform may also rise.

 

Sources informed that treatment for COVID-19 is available at Indira Gandhi Government Medical College and Hospital (IGMC&H) and Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH&H) and a few private hospitals. Except IGMC&H and GMC&H, none of the private hospitals are entitled under MPKAY. In case, cops desire to get treated at these private hospitals they have to pay full amount of treatment from their pockets. Given the hefty charges of private hospitals, cops find it difficult to arrange such large sums.

 

Shrikrishna Hospital, Platina Hospital, National Cancer Hospital, Sengupta Hospital, Central Avenue Hospital, New Era Hospital and Kunal Hospital are entitled under the MPKAY. If NMC authorises these hospitals to treat COVID-19 patients, it would be great relief for the policemen, said Joint CP Bharne, while talking to The Hitavada.