Shah's instructions came during his surprise visit to Covid-designated Lok Nayak Jai Prakash (LNJP) hospital here around 4 p.m. The Home Minister said there is a need for CCTV cameras in each COVID-19 ward for proper monitoring of problems being faced by the patients so that it could be resolved.

 

He also directed the Delhi Chief Secretary that back-ups for canteens supplying food should also be established, so that in case there is an infection in one canteen, patients can continue to get food without disruption.

 

Shah directed that psycho-social counselling of doctors and nurses engaged in service to humanity through the treatment of Corona patients should also be done. "This will ensure that not only are they physically but also psychologically fit to fight the pandemic."

 

The visit followed an all-party meeting, chaired by Shah at his North Block office in the morning, in the backdrop of worrying spike in the number of Covid-19 cases in the national capital.

 

LNJP recently invited negative publicity after several purported videos shot in its premises showed patients' bodies lying on the floor in wards. The videos also showed some elderly patients left unattended even as they cried for help.

 

Refuting such claims, the hospital said several people had recovered there. "Videos that show patients lying on the ground have been shot at different time periods," it claimed.

 

On Sunday, Shah had a meeting with Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. Members of the State Disaster Management Authority, AIIMS Director Randeep Guleria, Commissioners of three Municipal Corporations and senior officers from the Union Home and Health Ministries were also present.

 

Shah's visit assumes significance as the number of Covid-19 cases in the city crossed 41,000 and the death toll rose to 1,327.