New Delhi: The Chief Minister of UttarakhandTirath Singh Rawat Wednesday inaugurated virtually a 500-bed COVID Care Hospital that has been set up by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Haldwani. This facility in the hospital comprises 375 oxygen beds and 125 ICU beds with ventilators and 100 per cent power backup. This hospital is centrally air-conditioned for all weather conditions. Besides, a pathology laboratory, pharmacy, X-Ray and ECG etc. are an inherent part of the facility. The hospital that will become fully operational from June 03 has a control centre with Wi-Fi, CCTVs and helpline number has also been established for proper monitoring and hospital management through modern system software. Doctors and nursing staff to run the facility would be provided by co-located Government Medical College, Haldwani. This hospital, which has been built in 21 days, is the result of the efforts of the workforce of 350 persons who worked relentlessly round the clock under adverse weather conditions. This time-bound challenging task involved coordination among various government agencies and arranging a mammoth quantity of stores amidst countrywide lockdown. Ample measures have been taken in the design and functioning of the hospital to meet any unforeseen challenges in future. Mandatory fire safety norms have been ensured with fire detection alarm system, fire hydrants, and fire-fighting equipment. 

In the present COVID situation, this COVID Care Centre will be an invaluable asset for the people of Uttarakhand, providing timely essential medical care during the pandemic. It has been dedicated and named after late General Bipin Chandra Joshi who belonged to Uttarakhand and was the 17^th Chief of the Indian Army. Member of Parliament Dr Ajay Bhatt, Minister in Uttarakhand Government BansidharBhagat, Leader of Opposition, UttarakhandDr Indira Hridayesh and senior officials of DRDO& state government were present on the occasion. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has lauded DRDO for its continuous timely assistance during this pandemic. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the relentless efforts of the team involved in the task and thanked the Uttarakhand Government for the support.