From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Updated
Bengaluru, Apr 18: Karnataka is not facing any shortage of oxygen, said Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar in Bengaluru on Sunday.
Pointing out that Zonal Officers have been deployed to manage the issue, he said the Centre has given approval for 300 tonnes of oxygen in addition to 800 tonnes production capacity presently available in the State.
Industries have assured to supply sufficient quantity of oxygen whenever required, he said.
Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai and Revenue Minister R Ashok have held an informal meeting to review the Covid situation in Bengaluru, Dr Sudhakar said.
"Private Hospitals Not Cooperating"
He also mentioned that the response of private hospitals for reserving 50% beds for Covid patients has not been satisfactory and the State Government may have to initiate legal action against those failed to compliance the orders, he warned.
Speaking to the media after inspecting Sakra hospitals in Bengaluru, the minister said the inspection was to check whether the hospitals are complying the government orders to reserve 50% beds for Covid patients.
Manipal hospital has not provided 50% beds, he said.
Dr Sudhakar said strict instructions have been given to the hospital. Legal action will be initiated if they fail to obey the orders. Let us not land in such situation, he said.
"Private hospitals are facing shortage of infrastructure and human resource. We are considering all the issues while managing it. There may be shortcomings, but we are trying to address all issues. We are prioritizing supply of oxygen, Remdesivir and other drugs," the Health Minister said.
Steps to increase the availability of beds and temporary arrangements in hotels are also being made, he said.
Tough measures in Bengaluru?
Tougher and stringent measures necessary in Bengaluru to control second wave. It will be decided after all party meeting Monday. Chief Minister will take the decision after detailed discussion with leaders, he said
The Second Wave of the Covid pandemic is fast spreading and people have to exercise precautionary measures, he said adding: "We will ramp up beds based on the prevailing situation. Private hospitals must join hands with the government in this fight against pandemic."