The government will establish a 1200-bed coronavirus dedicated hospital in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University to fight the soaring virus, said Health Minister Zahid Maleque on Saturday.

With over 400 ICU beds and more than 400 ICU equivalent HDO’s, this will be the most modern Covid-19 hospital in the country, said Zahid after visiting BSMMU convention centre.

He said this convention centre was chosen for the proposed Covid facility after inspecting buildings across the city following the prime minister’s direction to increase the number of beds in hospitals across the country.

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The government is trying to expedite the opening of the hospital by incorporating the oxygen supply facility as soon as possible, said the minister.

As 80% of the hospital beds across the country are occupied with patients there is no other option left but to increase the number of beds, he said.

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In the last 10 days at least 90,000 more people were infected with Covid-19 so more manpower is needed in the health service system too, he added.

BSMMU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Sharfuddin Ahmed said, the Covid dedicated hospital will be set up at the fifth floor of the convention hall and it will be named after Bangamata Sheikh Fazilatunnesa Mujib.