Shivamogga: All efforts are being made to provide medical infrastructure, human resources and finances to effectively combat the second wave of covid, said K. S. Eshwarappa, Minister of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.
He spoke after a meeting with officials to review the steps taken to combat Covid during his visit to Mc Gann Hospital on Saturday April 17.
“Approval has been taken to hire 50 nurses and D Group employees in addition to the staff at the hospital and steps have been taken to increase the availability of existing oxygen cylinders and beds. We are trying to get the necessary grants available under the SDRF. The corporation has also been requested to provide an ambulance to the hospital,” he added.
District Medical Officer K.B Shivakumar said that the medical teams that were formed during the peak of the pandemic last September are still assigned to duty. “Previously, a preliminary screening of coronavirus infections was performed at the Ayurvedic College. Currently it is being done in Mc Gann. Now this has been planned to extend 24×7. Only those who need treatment at hospital will be admitted and the rest will be advised to undergo home isolation. Corona Care Center will be opened if necessary,” he said. He added that arrangements would be made to register covid patients in taluk hospitals.
A total of 613 oxygen point facilities, including the pipeline facility, are currently available at Mc Gann Hospital and Super Specialty Hospital. A proposal to create a further 500 oxygen points has been submitted for approval. This would require 1.20 crores, informed KSHRDP Assistant Executive Engineer Ravikiran to the minister on the occasion. The minister instructed to take the approval soon for the same and put in place additional oxygen points.
No vaccine shortage
“There is no shortage of covid vaccine in the district,” said the minister. According to the government guidelines, the vaccine is available and eligible persons should register their information online. They will either be vaccinated on the spot or would be given a date on which they will be vaccinated. He said private hospitals should also come forward to get the vaccines
District Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Vaishali ML, Shims Director Dr Siddappa, Dr Sridhar, Shims Board of Governors Dr Vani Kori, Dr Gautam, Divakara Shetty, District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. Rajesha Suragihalli and others were present.
