Thiruvananthapuram: The government is spending crores of rupees for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. Though treatment is offered free in government hospitals and medical colleges, it is assessed that the government spends upto Rs 20,000-25,000 for each person who is isolated after confirming the disease.

When the patients are shifted to ICU in worse cases and ventilator and other equipment used, the cost may cross Rs 50,000. If the patients also suffer from other diseases, the cost for treatment increases. Even if the disease does not intensify, the patient would be discharged only after 14 days.

Expenses for treatment

1. Fluid test

Testing the fluid samples of suspected coronavirus patients costs upto Rs 4500. The price of testing kit alone is Rs 3000.

2. Ambulance

If the patient is confirmed with COVID-19, he/she is taken to the hospital in ambulance on government expenses.

3. Antibiotics

The price of antibiotics increases according to the dosage. Many people are given the antibiotics which cost over Rs 1000 in market.

4. ICU

When condition worsens, patient is shifted to ICU where ventilator facility is available. Some private hospitals charge upto Rs 20,000-25,000 per day for fully-equipped ventilator. Room rent till discharge is another expense.

5. PPE Kit

The doctors and others use Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kit in the ICU and it costs upto Rs 600-1000. The PPE kits should be destroyed as per guidelines every four hours. At least 200 kits are required in an ICU according to the number of patients and staff.