Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF / Doctors Without Borders) has scaled-up its emergency response amid a surging second wave of COVID-19 in Mumbai in Maharashtra state. India recently broke a global record when it recorded more than 300,000 new infections in a single day, with a whopping 115,736 new cases reported in Maharashtra state on a single day on 16 April.
A patient gets his temperature checked at MSF's facility in M East ward, Mumbai. © Abhinav Chatterjee / MSF
“The situation is very worrying. This is the largest upsurge since the pandemic started. MSF stands ready to further pace up its services in support of the health facilities that are currently completely overwhelmed.”
Mumbai is very densely populated and the poor and dilapidated hygiene conditions are a triple trigger for the virus to breed, infect and spread rapidly.
We're preparing to support two units within a ‘Jumbo’ hospital in Mumbai. The units will include two sets of tents with about 1,000 intensive care unit bed capacity in each. Five additional medical doctors and five nurses have been recruited to strengthen the response.
MSF Nurses sealing samples and preparing the package to be sent to TB laboratory for diagnosis in Mumbai. © Atul Loke /MSF
“Most of our 256 patients come from the informal settlements where, due to poor living conditions, the risk of disease is high.”
Non-TB patients with COVID-19 that need admission are referred to dedicated COVID-19 Health Centre (DCHC) facilities. We're also providing prevention kits, counselling and phone follow-up to high-risk patients, including TB and diabetes patients and the elderly.
MSF staff distributing soap and masks to street hawkers, Mumbai. © Abhinav Chatterjee / MSF
To ensure continuity of care, MSF continues to support four health centres in the M-East Ward of Mumbai. We've started health promotion and water and sanitation activities in the M-East Ward and our activities will be extended to five more health facilities and we will continue to provide medical and technical support with oxygen supplies and therapy.
Médecins Sans Frontières is providing support and medical care around the world to counter the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re providing essential care through dedicated COVID-19 facilities, equipping frontline medical staff with PPE and training, and supporting health authorities through testing and community education.
With 50 years of experience fighting epidemics, we’re committed to protecting the most vulnerable and saving lives.
