Bengaluru, Aug 14 (IANS): At a time when the Karnataka health department is overwhelmed with the COVID-19 situation and the shortage of doctors, at least 2,000 postgraduate (PG) medical students are poised to join forces to strengthen the state's battle against the pandemic, said medical education minister Dr K Sudhakar on Friday.

"PG medical results will be published in a couple of days and 2,000 additional PG medicos who will undergo internship will be available for COVID duties in the state," he added.

To tide over the shortage, Bengaluru civic body has already advertised some vacancies and recruited doctors, nurses and other medical staff.

Inaugurating a coronavirus testing laboratory at BGS Global Hospital in Kengeri, the Minister said India has done extremely well in containing the virus, compared to advanced countries such as the United States and other Western countries.

"Compared to the US and other western countries, India lacks medical infrastructure but still we have managed to keep the mortality rate very low," he said.

Addressing a batch of medicos at the BGS Global Hospital, Sudhakar reminded them that the medical profession is a noble one where professional ethics are of paramount importance.

The hospital is run by Sri Adichunchanagiri Shikshana Trust which has established over 400 educational and charitable institutions.

COVID infections breached the 2 lac mark in the state, with 78,337 active cases and 1.2 lac recoveries.