From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Sep 19: Medical Education Minister Dr K. Sudhakar asserted there was no shortage of oxygen for Covid-19 patients In Karnataka at present.
He was speaking to media persons after inaugurating Covid Molecular Lab at Siddartha Medical College and Research Centre in Tumakuru on Saturday.
To make sure the state does not run out of supplies, the Minister said the State Government was sourcing oxygen tanks from Gujarat.
"Oxygen will be supplied to not only government hospitals, but also private hospitals," he said.
Recently, a few hospitals faced a shortage of oxygen supply but the demand was addressed with cooperation from industrial zones at respective districts, he explained.
The State Government is taking measures to make sure there will not be any shortage in the future.
The Minister said the fixed cost has been released by the State Government to prevent private hospitals from overcharging.
He requested the public to file complaints if they are being charged exorbitantly. The State Government will take strict actions against the hospital in question.
The patient diagnosed with Coronavirus would also be suffering from organ failure and other ailments. The bills for these will be separate and must not be billed under Covid-19 treatment, he said.
The newly inaugurated lab will facilitate 2,000 coronavirus tests per day in Tumakuru, the Minister said.
Expressing his happiness over inaugurating the lab at his alma mater, he said Tumakuru now boasts of three modern Covid-19 testing labs. This will increase the testing capabilities.
Along with this, measures will be taken to increase ICU beds. The State Government will provide complete support to increase the number of beds at Siddhartha Medical College which is at present 50 in number, he said.
Change in leadership
Dr K Sudhakar chose not to comment on leadership change in Karnataka.
Stating that all the questions must be posed to Chief Minister B S Yediyruappa, he said he prefers to not comment on the speculations on change of Chief Minister.
Some members of the party have expressed the desire to become ministers, he said and added that it is not a crime to communicate their opinions. All the questions, however, will be answered by the Chief Minister, he said.
Responding to Congress leader Siddaramaiah’s statement that the State Government has been ignorant about increasing coronavirus cases in the state, he said, “It is important to note that 4 lakh people have recovered from the virus out of 5 lakh cases in the state. Compared to the death rate in the country, the state stands at 1.56%. There is no question of ignorance. The opposition leaders must base their statements on the facts and figures and not politicise the ongoing health crisis."