Pimpri: The number of COVID-19 cases are surging in Pune's twin city: Pimpri-Chinchwad. The industrial hub has also witnessed an incline in mortality rate due to the infection.
Meanwhile, deaths due to respiratory issues are on high and patients in the age group of 12 to 40. Earlier, only the elderly were reported to be most vulnerable in the pandemic but the current trend is worrisome in PCMC limit.
The novel coronavirus is spreading rapidly in Pimpri-Chinchwad. The region's first patient was reported on March 10 in PCMC region. Since then 11,364 people have been infected with the contagion.
Around 7,070 patients have won the battle against the virus, forming a recovery rate of 62.21 per cent. So far, 4,084 active patients are undergoing treatment. 212 people have lost their lives in the city due to the infection till date.
The number of patients in the city has been increasing rapidly over the last few days. More than 500 reports per day are coming in positive. The figures show that most of the patients have some sort of respiratory problem.
Experts say that the death toll is rising due to the rising number of patients with pre-existing conditions.
Around 15 to 17 people have been dying every day for the last few days. This also includes patients who are children, adolescents, and young adults. This has created an atmosphere of fear and anxiety.
Increased mortality in patients with respiratory distress
Speaking to Sakal Times, Yashwantrao Chavan Memorial Hospital (YCMH) Superintendent, Dr. Rajendra Wable said, "The number of corona patients is increasing, including those with respiratory problems. As a result, the death toll has risen. A person dies while his/her immune system battles with the virus. Young people are also dying."
"Oxygen beds are needed for patients with respiratory problems. Additional 50 ICU beds have been prepared for this," said Santosh Patil, Additional Commissioner, Municipal Corporation.
There are 30 beds in YCMH, 12 at the Jijamata Hospital, and 10 beds in the new hospital in Bhosari. However, ICUs require dedicated manpower. "We are trying to get 50 doctors from outside. We are working hard to improve the facility," he added.
