CM visit to lift morale of Covid fighters The visit by Mamata was to send out a message that she was leaving no stone unturned to contain the outbreak

Mamata Banerjee visits quarantine and state government hospitals to review preparedness on coronavirus, in Kolkata (PTI)

Kinsuk Basu and Meghdeep Bhattacharyya, TT, 25.03.20, Calcutta: Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday went on a whirlwind tour of medical facilities at the forefront of fight against Covid-19 in and around Calcutta to assess their readiness and assured doctors and other staff that her government was ready to extend whatever help they needed.

The Bengal chief minister visited four medical colleges in Calcutta, two other healthcare facilities and the quarantine centre at Rajarhat.

The visit by Mamata — who was leading from the front in the battle against the novel coronavirus — was not only to boost the morale of teams of first responders but also to send out a message that she was leaving no stone unturned to contain the outbreak.

“We can’t imagine she would turn up all of a sudden and enquire about the facilities,” said Suddhodhan Batabyal, the principal of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, the chief minister’s first stop around 4pm. “Her gesture will help all of us, by lifting our spirits,” Batabyal added.

Sources in the ruling dispensation said Mamata was not only taking necessary steps for combating the pandemic but also constantly reassuring doctors and police, the vital stakeholders in the fight against Covid-19.

With police commissioner Anuj Sharma and other senior police officers in tow, Mamata asked doctors and nurses at the RG Kar medical college about the facilities in place. She told the medical staff to take adequate precaution while handling novel coronavirus cases.

“You all take care,” Mamata said, hands folded, as she left.

“Ma’am, you also stay well,” said one of the doctors.

“I’ll stay well if you all are well,” Mamata said on her way out.

The chief minister then visited the Calcutta Medical College and Hospital, where she spoke to doctors and other health workers outside the administrative building. She wanted to know how prepared the facility was in handling Covid-19 and left after promising that the government was ready with any help.

Her next stop was the NRS Medical College and Hospital, where she inquired about the condition of some of the patients. Before leaving, Mamata profusely thanked the hospital staff for their efforts.

The other medical college visited by Mamata was the SSKM.

“How many patients are there in the isolation ward?” she asked Anima Halder, principal of the Beleghata ID Hospital, where the state’s first isolation ward for novel coronavirus patients was set up.

“We have facilities for 32 beds. There are 11 suspected patients right now. Six of them would be discharged,” Halder replied.

“Do you have adequate police support? I think you all should have a direct line with the police. You can exchange the numbers later. Do you need anything else?” asked the chief minister, to which Halder said there was adequate police support.

“Okay. Stay well. All of you have been doing a tremendous job. My salute to all of you,” said Mamata before leaving Beleghata.

Ahead of Beleghata, she visited the quarantine facility at Rajarhat — with a promised capacity of 5,000 — and spoke to doctors and the nursing staff at length. “You all have a challenging task. Please be very careful while dealing with patients. The entire area needs to be sanitised thoroughly,” said Mamata.

At MR Bangur Hospital, Mamata assured doctors and other staff that the government would ensure that they didn’t have to travel too far for discharging their duties.

“We are making arrangements to put you up at nearby hotels and other similar facilities,” she said.

“The point here is to help you out with some ease, as you lead our fight against the pandemic,” Mamata added.