Obama at Bombay Hospital

Ahead of US president Barack Obama’s two-day visit to Mumbai, all major private and government hospitals, especially those close to the locations he is scheduled to visit, have been put on alert.

Ahead of US president Barack Obama’s two-day visit to Mumbai, all major private and government hospitals, especially those close to the locations he is scheduled to visit, have been put on alert.

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At the 830-bed Bombay Hospital, an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) room on the 12th floor has been reserved for Obama till Sunday to deal with any emergency. “Officials with the US Consulate visited the hospital on Monday to check the arrangements,” said a senior doctor from the hospital, on condition of anonymity.

Dr TP Lahane, dean of JJ hospital, said the practice of reserving beds for VVIP guests is common and part of the protocol issued by the state government ahead of such visits.

Jaslok Hospital has also made arrangements for the visit. “We got a request from Gamdevi police station a week ago asking about facilities in the hospital and the name and contact details of doctors who will be available at the time of Obama’s visit,” said Admiral Dr SK Mohanty, medical director, Jaslok hospital. “We will keep all our emergency services ready. This includes ambulance, casualty services and a cardiologist.”

The Obamas are expected to stay at the Taj hotel and visit Mani Bhavan, St Xavier’s College, Holy Name School in Colaba and the Trident hotel.

“Obama is scheduled to visit Mani Bhavan, which is near Jaslok,” said Dr Mohanty.

All government hospitals have also been asked to keep all their machineries ready for use.