Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 25: On account of awareness created among the people about COVID 19 through various means, there has now been an increase in the number of people voluntarily coming forward to get themselves tested for coronavirus infection as soon early symptoms of the disease are noticed. Therefore, the number of patients getting admitted into the intensive care unit (ICU) and those needing ventilators has been coming down. As a result, most of the hospitals are in a position to provide ICU beds and ventilators to patients as and when necessary.

The district of course has been showing an upward trend as far as detection of new infections is concerned. During the last week, over 2,000 tested positive for the disease. As the people were impressed upon about the advantages of getting themselves checked for coronavirus infection early in order to obviate later complications have borne fruits. Therefore, the number of people who are opting to get tested in the preliminary stages of the disease has gone up. Therefore, the acute shortage of ventilators and ICU beds which were felt since the last two weeks, have been addressed since the last four days. The hospitals as a result feel relieved of this pressure.

The government Wenlock Hospital has 30 beds in the intensive care unit and same number of ventilators. Moreover, high dependency unit has been opened in the ward and 15 additional ventilator beds have been arranged. There are 380 high oxygen beds. Including nine private hospitals and the government Wenlock Hospital in the district, there are a total of 120 ICU beds, 117 ventilator beds and 611 high oxygen beds. High oxygen beds have been exclusively reserved for corona patients.

District health officer of Dakshina Kannada, Dr Ramachandra Bairy, said that there has been a positive development in the district as far as the awareness to get tested early for coronavirus is concerned. He advised people to get themselves tested at the earliest and if the result is positive, to get treated at the Covid centres of their houses at the advice of the doctors. He said that those whose condition is serious and need treatment in intensive care unit, can call helpline No. 1077 of the deputy commissioner's office and convey information.

At the same time, in Udupi district too, there has been marked reduction in the number of corona patients rushing to hospitals at advanced stage of the infection. As compared to ten patients on an average who used to get admitted into te ICU, since the last some days, the inflow has fallen to two to three per day. However, the problem of ventilator shortage continues to plague the hospitals here, said district health officer, Dr Sudhir Chandra Sooda.