Bengaluru, Apr 10 (IANS): With the number of coronavirus cases rising by the day in the state, albeit gradually, Karnataka Medical Education Minister K. Sudhakar on Thursday claimed that there was no shortage of ventilators in the state.

"No shortage of ventilators in the state to save lives, especially of Covid-19 patients. Only one or two are on ventilator while a couple of them are on oxygen in ICUs," Sudhakar told reporters here.

The southern state has registered 197 Covid-19 positive cases till date besides reporting six deaths, including one on Thursday, while 30 persons have been discharged.

Allaying fears of shortage of life-saving equipment and drugs, the minister said the state government had placed an order in March to procure about 1,000 ventilators for Covid-19 patients.

"We have received about 200 ventilators and they have been installed in some state-run designated hospitals where Covid-19 patients are under treatment," said Sudhakar.

Unlike in other states, Karnataka has managed to contain the spread of the virus so far, as the first 50 cases were reported in 16 days, next 50 in eight days and from 100 to 150 and to 197 in four days each.

"The state has over 740 ventilators, which are used when a patient is gasping for breath due to respiratory problem. They are not used for every patient," asserted Sudhakar, a medical doctor.

Ventilators will also be given to private hospitals where Covid-19 patients are being treated as per demand and supply.