The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is once again looking at doing something it had done back in June as the daily COVID-19 figures continue to remain around 2,000. The civic body has directed 60 private hospitals in the city to urgently discharge asymptomatic patients and make space for those with symptoms. A committee, which will conduct surprise visits to hospitals from next week, is also being formed.

According to the circular released by the public health department on September 19, the civic body wants to focus on using the 'existing resources judiciously'. It further adds that asymptomatic patients don't need admission at dedicated COVID health care facilities or in public/private hospitals. Private hospitals have been directed to stop admitting asymptomatic patients and discharge the existing ones immediately. Back in June, when there was a similar crisis, the civic body had asked private hospitals to stop admitting patients directly since most of the beds were occupied by asymptomatic patients.