Karnataka asks Centre for 1,500 tonnes oxygen per day
Minister says mildly symptomatic patients are blocking Covid beds
All information on bed availability is on web portal: Sudhakar
BENGALURU:
Detailing the steps taken by the state government to address the issue of oxygen shortage, Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said the Chief Minister has requested the Centre to provide 1,500 tonnes oxygen daily.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the Minister said, “300 tonnes of oxygen is being earmarked for Karnataka. Since the cases are increasing, we may need 500-600 tonnes by this month-end and 1,500 tonnes by next month-end. The CM has appealed to the Centre to provide additional oxygen. I too have requested the Union government to supply additional oxygen.”
Referring to the trend of people rushing to get hospitalised after they test Covid-positive, the Minister said, “95% of cases do not require hospitalisation. They can be isolated at their homes and treated. Our doctors are visiting home isolated patients and guiding them. Information regarding do’s and don’ts will also be circulated.”
Noting that it would be difficult to provide treatment to severely affected people if mildly symptomatic patients are admitted to hospitals, the Minister said, “We need to provide oxygen and ventilators to severely symptomatic patients. Doctors should take a call on this depending on the severity of cases.”
Covid beds
As far as beds are concerned, the Minister said private medical colleges in Bengaluru have reserved 4,000 beds for Covid patients, government medical colleges have reserved 1,000 beds, government hospitals 1,409 beds and private hospitals 7,442. The web portal contains all information regarding beds’ availability, and the system will be implemented across the state, he said.
Other points made by Minister
- Youth should take the initiative to get their elderly kin vaccinated. Everyone above 18 years can get the vaccination from May 1.
- 12.7 crore vaccine shots have been given across the country. 99.96% those who got vaccine have not got the infection.
- Private medical colleges and hospitals have been provided with ventilators.
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