Mumbai: Kalina University bats for Covid-19 affected

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The Kalina University is opening up a Covid-19 isolation centre within its premises. The centre will be housed in the eight-storey International Students Hostel building.

There is an inauguration slated for tomorrow, after which the facility will be operational for the public from Friday, July 9. The centre is an isolation hub for the underprivileged section of the society. It is not just for students but all underprivileged people who have tested Covid-19 positive and do not have the space or the means to isolate at home. When there is a space crunch, which is common in Mumbai, the entire family is in danger of being affected because of transmission, so the underprivileged need isolation options. The initiative is an association between Ashia-Hope for Life, a one-year-old non-profit, and the MCGM.

The centre is for underprivileged people with a space crunch

The centre is slated to have 140 beds, with care and medical staff, including oxygen cylinders and an ambulance on call, claimed the non-profit spokespersons. Ashia director Aparna Shah said, "We are a year old and we have already worked in the Covid-19 space. The Foundation had undertaken a project last year called Kitchen for All, through which we provided cooked meals to the needy. We also provided essentials like footwear, milk, juice, lemon and fruits to migrants walking on the highways as they went back to their homes in the hinterland during lockdown."

This particular project will be effective use of space that has been vacant since educational institutions shut down. Shah added, "This is for Covid positive people who have mild to moderate symptoms and do not need hospitalisation. The underprivileged will need to show us a Covid positive report after which they will be admitted here. This is an avenue where they can get care without paying, and in this way their families in their small homes are safe, too."

When asked why the Centre did not open when the second wave was at its fiercest, approximately 2.5 months ago, Shah said, "We cannot say that the virus has disappeared. We have a significant number of positive cases even now. This centre is also a preparation for a possible third wave. The geographical layout of this isolation centre is different from the usual banquet or big hall with beds placed at a distance. Here, because this is a hostel, there are 70 rooms and each one will have twin beds. There are reports that say children may be affected most, if the third wave comes. A very small child may need his/her mother and in that way the room, each with an attached bathroom, will be viable for this section of people. Even seniors, if two in a family are positive, can be in the same room."

Shah further said, "It will remain open till we see the pandemic peter out, with an absolute minimum of cases." A Mumbai University spokesperson said students will return when the government gives the green light. A BMC official said the civic authorities have taken over two buildings for Covid care in Kalina. One is the IT Park and the other the International Students Hostel, in preparation for a possible third wave.