Central panel suggests capping cost of isolation beds, ICUs in Delhi

A high-powered committee, set up by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, has recommended fixing the cost of a COVID-19 isolation bed in any hospital in Delhi in the range of ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 and an ICU bed with ventilator at ₹15,000 to ₹18,000 per day, the Home Ministry said on Friday (June 19).

The committee, under the chairmanship of VK Paul, member NITI Aayog, was constituted on Sunday to ensure the availability of 60 per cent beds by private hospitals at lower rates and fix the rate of corona testing and treatment.

“The committee has recommended ₹8,000-₹10,000, ₹13,000-₹15,000 & ₹15,000-₹18,000 including PPE costs for isolation bed, ICUs without & with ventilator respectively to all hospitals as compared to the current charges of ₹24,000-₹25,000, ₹34,000-₹43,000 & ₹44,000-₹54,000 (excluding PPE cost),” a Home Ministry spokesperson said.