The state-run St George’s Hospital, which used to cater to thousands of patients every day before the pandemic, is now lying vacant as it is yet to be converted into a non-COVID hospital. The hospital which has 467 beds currently has only 6 active patients. DMER said the hospital can start OPD services from May 1 and an order to this effect will be issued soon. 

Since the third wave receded around two-and-a-half months ago, almost all dedicated COVID hospitals in the city were to turn back to non-COVID hospitals in a phase-wise manner and this includes civic-run BYL Nair and SevenHills hospitals too. But the Directorate of Medical Education and Research was yet to give the nod for the same for St George’s Hospital.