BENGALURU:
Hours after Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa was discharged on Thursday from Manipal Hospital where he was being treated for Covid-19 infection for the second time in the last eight months — the Karnataka government decided to purchase 1 crore doses of Covishield vaccine at a cost of Rs 400 crore.
A statement released from CMO said: “The Chief Minister has approved the purchase of 1 crore doses of Covishield vaccine at a cost of Rs 400 crores, in the first phase. This will be used for vaccination of persons between 18 to 44 years.”
Karnataka will procure 1 Crore doses of COVID-19 vaccine as we begin to inoculate citizens between 18 to 44 years from May 1. ₹400 Crores has been earmarked for this in the 1st phase. I urge all those above 18 to register themselves for the vaccine starting from April 28.
— B.S. Yediyurappa (@BSYBJP) April 22, 2021
Yediyurappa, chaired a meeting of Bengaluru ministers to assess the situation in the city. At the meeting, Health Minister K Sudhakar informed that the issue of shortage in oxygen supply and medicine in the city has been resolved, a CMO release said.
He also clarified that there was no shortage of vaccines, it said.
It was also decided at the meeting to strengthen fever clinics in the city, test those with fever and other symptoms, and to give them appropriate guidance, so that only those in need can be hospitalised.
The Chief Minister gave instructions to strengthen the helpline, aimed at immediately responding to issues faced by the people.
He also issued directions on giving priority to provide treatment and teleconsultation for those in home isolation and to keep vigil on them.
It was also directed to ensure that private hospitals reserve beds for COVID patients and Deputy Commissioner of Police for respective zones were instructed to visit hospitals in this regard.
Nodal officers have been made responsible for COVID management in their respective zones.
The Chief Minister also asked officials to take up morale-boosting measures among healthcare staff.
It was also decided to make necessary alternative arrangements for keeping bodies at crematoriums, as queuing of ambulances carrying them at crematoriums for hours has resulted in their shortage.
Help of volunteers for COVID management, wherever required, will be taken, according to the release.
