Mangaluru:  The Indian Railways had recently in a circular stated that it plans to transform non-air-conditioned train coaches into isolation wards for treating coronavirus patients.

In Mangaluru, two of the 20 railway coaches that have arrived at the central railway station have been converted into isolation wards by modifying the existing coaches. Modification of other coaches is in progress and is expected to be complete in a week’s time.

These coaches will soon be handed over to health department in order to deal with the ongoing situation, said public relations officer of southern railway’s Palakkad division Gopinathan, on Wednesday April 1.

In order to construct the isolated ward, the middle berth has been removed from one side of the coach, while all three berths have been removed in front of patient berth. Also all ladders for climbing up the berths have been removed. The bathrooms, aisle areas and other areas have also been modified.

These coaches also will have spaces for doctors, nurses and paramedical staff besides arrangements to fix medical equipment.

As on April 1, 5,875 are under home quarantine in Dakshina Kannada district while 27 persons are placed under quarantine in ESI hospital.