Remain cautious for 4-6 weeks, follow COVID-19 guidelines to control next wave: Karnataka minister
State can now test 2 lakh samples daily and has 22,000 oxygen beds: Sudhakar
BENGALURU:
The Karnataka government has ramped up the health infrastructure in the state, including the capacity to test 1.5- 2 lakh samples per day, the availability of 1,015 tonnes of oxygen and more than 22,000 oxygen beds, and adequate supplies of Remdesivir.
According to Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar, towards the end of February 60,000-70,000 tests were being done daily, which has now gone up to 1 lakh. So far, 2.85 crore samples have been tested, of which 2.38 crore tests are via RT-PCR. As many as 241 (govt 91, private 150) RT-PCR laboratories are functional in the state. Swab collection centres have been set up for every 50,000 citizens.
Oxygen, ICU beds
In March 2020, the Department of Health and Family Welfare had only 1,970 oxygenated beds, 444 ICU beds and 610 beds with ventilators. Over the past one year, an additional 22,001 oxygenated beds, 1,248 HFNC beds, 701 ICU beds and 1,548 beds with ventilators have been created. These facilities have been extended to the taluk and CHC levels.
Similarly, in March 2020, the Department of Medical Education had only 4,700 oxygenated beds, 341 ventilators, 15 HFNC beds and 151 kilo litres of medical oxygen. Over the past one year, an additional 4705 oxygenated beds, 305 ventilators, 555 HFNC beds and 73 kilo litres of medical oxygen have been created.
Among the other medical infrastructure created:
• Medical oxygen production capacity of 815 tonnes, and Central allocation of 1,015 tonnes.
• 2 PSA oxygen generation plants from Israel for Yadgir and KGF hospitals.
• 1,000 LPM capacity PSA plants with DRDO support at CV Raman Hospital, Bengaluru, ESI Medical College, Kalaburagi and Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences.
• 380 oxygen cylinders and 800 oxygen concentrators from GoI. Additional 1,600 cylinders allotted.
• Work underway on 43 KL liquid medical oxygen storage capacity in Mysuru, Chikkaballapur, Kolar, Ramanagara and Karwar districts.
• Greenko has donated 200 oxygen concentrators of 10 LPM capacity.
• 1,000 oxygen beds hospital inaugurated on May 19 at Toranagallu, Ballari with support from JSW.
Remdesivir
In April, 2,74,00 vials were ordered and 1,80,700 vials received. For May, 51,360 vials were ordered and 11,000 vials have been received till date. Also, 900 vials were received from Cipla under its CSR activity, and 56,943 vials from the GoI via USAID. A global tender has been floated 5 lakh vials.
Vaccination
As on May 22, 1.20 crore doses have been administered in the state. In addition to 1.13 crore doses supplied by the Centre, the state has received nearly 15 lakh doses from the manufacturers.
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