Minister warns Covid bed-denying hospitals of legal action
No shortage of oxygen in the state, says Health Minister Dr Sudhakar
BENGALURU:
The response of private hospitals to the government’s demand for reserving 50% of their beds for Covid patients has not been satisfactory and the government may have to initiate legal action against violators, warned Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar.
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Speaking to the media here on Sunday after inspecting Sakra Hospitals, Dr Sudhakar said it was meant to check whether hospitals are complying with government orders to reserve 50% beds for Covid patients. He said Manipal Hospital has not provided the stipulated quota and strict instructions have been given in this regard to the hospital. Legal action will be initiated if private hospitals fail to obey government orders, the Minister said.
There are 7 medical oxygen production plants in Karnataka with a daily production capacity of 812 tonnes, while the medical oxygen utilised on Saturday was about 272.61 tonnes. So I appeal to everyone to not create unnecessary panic about shortage of medical oxygen in the state.
— Dr Sudhakar K (@mla_sudhakar) April 18, 2021
Private hospitals’ woes
The Minister acknowledged that private hospitals are facing a shortage of infrastructure and human resources. “We are considering all these issues. There may be shortcomings but we are trying to address all issues. We are prioritising supply of oxygen, Remdesivir and other drugs. Increase in beds and temporary arrangements in hotels are being made,” he said.
Oxygen from Centre
“There is no dearth of oxygen in the state. Zonal officers have been deployed to manage the issue. The Centre has given approval for 300 tonnes of oxygen in addition to 800 tonnes’ production capacity presently available in the state. Industries have assured supply of sufficient quantities of oxygen whenever required,” Dr Sudhakar said.
Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Revenue Minister R Ashok had held a meeting to review the Covid situation in Bengaluru, he said.
Other points by Minister
• Tougher and more stringent measures are necessary in Bengaluru to control the second wave. It will be decided after the all-party meeting tomorrow. The Chief Minister will take a decision after detailed discussion with various leaders.
• The second wave is spreading fast and people have to exercise greater precaution.
• We will ramp up beds based on the prevailing situation. Private hospitals must join hands with the government in this fight against the pandemic.
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