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This is an archive article published on May 30, 2021

PMC reserves 252 ICU beds, 82 ventilator ones for paediatric patients in private hospitals for Covid-19

The civic administration had started preparations for a dedicated Covid treatment facility for paediatric care at the civic-owned Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Yerawada by setting up 160 oxygen beds and 40 ICU beds.

Pune news, Pune city news, Pune Covid-19 news, PMC Pune staff covid-19, PMC pune jobs, Pune city news Pune covid cases news, pune today news, pune local news, new pune news, pune covid 19 cases, covid, pune today news, latest pune newsAt a Covid-19 care centre in Pune. (File)

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) is planning to reserve 252 ICU beds and 82 ventilator beds in private hospitals in the city for children ahead of a third Covid-19 wave, which is expected to impact children, according to experts.

The civic administration had started preparations for a dedicated Covid treatment facility for paediatric care at the civic-owned Rajiv Gandhi Hospital in Yerawada by setting up 160 oxygen beds and 40 ICU beds. It has also decided to reserve beds for children at the Jumbo hospital on CoEP ground and Baner Hospital, as well as oxygen beds for pregnant women at its Sonawane hospital.

“As experts have predicted that the third Covid wave could affect children, the PMC is preparing for treatment of paediatric patients at civic hospitals. There should not be a shortage of paediatric beds so the PMC has planned to increase such beds in all five zones of the civic body by reserving beds in private hospitals,” said a civic health officer.

He added that the PMC has witnessed an increase in the number of children getting infected with Covid-19 in the second wave as compared to the first wave. The PMC has set up a task force for paediatric treatment for Covid-19 and also started recruiting paediatricians in civic hospitals on a contract basis.

The capacity of beds for patients of all ages is being increased in the city by setting up a new hospital in Baner with 150 oxygen beds and 60 ICU beds as well as 50 oxygen beds in Magar Hospital. The PMC has also decided to set up oxygen generation plants in all civic hospitals treating Covid-19 patients.

In an appeal, the administration has urged parents to carry out regular vaccination of their children to protect them from infectious disease. “There has been reluctance on the part of parents to take their child to hospitals, which are currently catering to Covid-19 patients. Parents should complete regular vaccination of their children,” said the officer.

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Ajay Jadhav is an Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, Pune. With over 22 years of experience in the industry, he is a highly specialized journalist whose work focuses on the intersection of urban infrastructure, governance, and sustainability. Professional Background  Role: As Assistant Editor, he plays a key role in the editorial direction of the Pune bureau, specializing in urban policy and its direct impact on citizens. Education: He holds a Master’s degree in Communication and Journalism from Savitribai Phule Pune University and a PG Diploma in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He also studied at the prestigious Fergusson College. Impactful Reporting: He is credited with research-based articles on conservancy staff (waste workers) that influenced national policy for better working conditions. He is also known for exposing the contrast between high-end infrastructure (like helipads for leaders) and the lack of basic amenities like schools in their home districts. Personal Interests: An avid trekker and sports enthusiast, his personal interest in the outdoors often informs his reporting on environmental protection and sustainable development. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) His reporting in late 2025 has been dominated by the upcoming January 2026 Civic Polls in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad, and the city's infrastructure boom: 1. Political Analysis (Civic Elections 2026) "Not friendly but a bitter fight lies ahead between BJP and NCP for PMC, PCMC" (Dec 22, 2025): A detailed look at the intense rivalry between the Mahayuti partners as they prepare for the January 15 municipal elections. "Pune civic polls: Big blow to NCP, NCP(SP) as leaders switch to BJP" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on high-profile poaching and party-hopping ahead of the elections. "Ajit Pawar's NCP continues domination in Pune, wins 10 of 17 local bodies" (Dec 21, 2025): Analyzing the results of the local self-government body elections as a precursor to the main civic polls. 2. Infrastructure & Urban Development "Looking Ahead at 2026: Pune to see inauguration of much-awaited Hinjewadi to Shivajinagar metro route" (Dec 22, 2025): An "outlook" piece on the critical Metro Line 3 project expected to finish by March 2026. "Building Pune: PMC to construct double-decker bridge over Mula-Mutha River" (Dec 18, 2025): Detailing a major project aimed at easing traffic between Hadapsar and Kharadi.  "Condition of highway from Pune to Kolhapur to improve in a year: Gadkari" (Dec 4, 2025): Reporting on the Union Minister’s assurances regarding one of the state's most critical transport corridors. 3. Civic Governance & Environment "Install sensors, LED indicators at construction sites within 15 days: PMC to builders" (Dec 16, 2025): A follow-up to the "Breathless Pune" series, reporting on new mandates for builders to monitor air quality in real-time. "Errors in electoral rolls: PMC corrects data of 92,466 voters" (Dec 16, 2025): Tracking the administrative efforts to clean up the voter lists before the 2026 elections. Signature Style Ajay Jadhav is known for accountability journalism. His work often bridges the gap between high-level policy and the "ground zero" reality of Pune's residents. He is particularly focused on Sustainable Development, ensuring that as Pune grows into a "Bharat Mandapam" style destination (referring to his report on the Lohegaon project), its environmental and social safeguards remain intact. X (Twitter): @ajay_khape ... Read More


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