Bengaluru Hospitals Gear Up for Possible Covid JN.1 Spike as Cases Rise in Kerala

With the emergence of the JN.1 Covid variant causing a spike in Maharashtra and Kerala, hospitals in Bengaluru are stepping up preparations to handle a potential outbreak. Karnataka currently has 148 active Covid cases, but medical professionals urge residents not to panic, stating a massive surge is unlikely compared to the 2020–2022 waves.

🏥 City Hospitals Ready with Resources

Victoria Hospital (City Market) has a 40-bed isolation ward, 10 ICU beds, and ample stock of N95 masks and PPE kits. Dr. Deepak S. confirms they can scale up quickly, citing prior experience treating over 16,000 patients during previous waves.
Bowring and Lady Curzon Hospital (Shivajinagar) has 30 ICU beds and can dedicate two entire floors for Covid care if required, supported by an on-site oxygen plant.
Fortis Hospital (Bannerghatta Road) is screening patients with respiratory issues and has six ICU beds on standby, though no positive cases have been reported yet.
Ramaiah Hospitals (Mathikere) has a dedicated isolation ward and ICU, with oxygen systems ready to support 500+ beds, says Dr. Deepak T. S.
Narayana Health City (Bommasandra) plans to admit only severe cases, with capacity to convert an entire 100–200 bed wing if needed, says Dr. Nidhin Mohan.
SVM Hospital (Marathahalli) has separate male/female Covid wards with 10 beds each, boosted ICU facilities, and is increasing oxygen supplies and nursing staff.
Apollo Hospital (Seshadripuram) is enhancing testing and preparing isolation rooms and a fever clinic for symptomatic patients, says Dr. Divya K. S.

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