Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru, Apr 20: Deputy commissioner Dr K V Rajendra has assured that the district administration is fully prepared to tackle the second wave of Covid. "There are 5,000 general beds, 250 ICU beds and 70 ventilators in Wenlock, of which 45 to 50 ventilators will be allotted to the district hospital. If required five ventilators each along with a doctor will be provided to private and taluk general hospital," the DC said.
He was speaking during the delegation visit of the Corona Warriors belonging to the District Congress Committee led by AICC secretary Ivan D'Souza on Tuesday, April 20 at the DC office.
"There is no scarcity of general beds, ICU and beds equipped with oxygen cylinders. The preparations are in full swing. There are three oxygen plants in Baikampady, I have also visited the plant. Further, I have asked the electricity board to provide them with a continuous power supply. There are two units where oxygen is being generated directly by extracting it from the air. There is also a supply of industrial oxygen from Ballari. For now, there is no scarcity of oxygen," he added.
However, in the event when cases are increasing in Bengaluru, oxygen supply will be directed to Bengaluru. In this situation, there is a possibility that we might face scarcity, but this is something that is being constantly monitored, said deputy commissioner Dr K V Rajendra.
Talking about the vaccination situation in the district, the DC said: "India has two vaccines, Covaxin and Covishield. In the district, over 8,000 to 10,000 people are getting vaccinated every day. The central government has assured to provide more vaccines."
"Earlier 51 staffs were deployed in the Covid testing lab, however, 20 personnel quit and are no longer working in the lab. This has caused issues in the process of data entry and for conducting tests. We are reappointing staffs, and trying our best to provide the test report within 24 hours in district hospitals. Now, 3,600 to 4,700 Covid tests are taking place, compared to the earlier 2,000 tests," said Dr K V Rajendra.
Congress leader Ivan D'Souza questioned the charging of Rs 8,000 to Rs 9,000 for cremating Covid victims. Responding to this, the deputy commissioner said, "I will look into it and I will appoint a nodal officer for the same. A list that will detail the payable amount will also be released."
With regard to passes for weddings and other events, the DC said, "The permission should be sought from the MCC commissioner for events under the MCC limits. While in urban local bodies, permission should be sought from the CMC commissioner, TMC officials and PDO in gram panchayat."
"While seeking permission for the program, the organisers should produce a guest list. This will be reviewed by nodal officers and only then passes will be issued. If they fail to follow protocol then the hall will be sealed down. Only 100 members are allowed to participate in the program which is conducted in halls. Whereas, if events are held in open spaces, then the number of people allowed is 200. If this order is not followed, then strict action will be taken against violators," warned Dr K V Rajendra.