Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (DV)
Udupi, Apr 30: After Udupi-Chikkamagaluru MP Shobha Karandlaje wrote a letter to chief minister BS Yediyurappa on suggestions for containing coronavirus and the people's opinion on the situation, Jawaid Akhtar, principal secretary, health department, submitted a report on the steps taken to contain the spread of coronavirus.
In the report, it was stated that there are 25 lines under Covid helpline number 14410. There are 25 lines under the helpline number 104 and there are five lines under Apthamitra. In helpline numbers 1912 and 108, there are 60 and 65 lines respectively. Though they are not Covid helpline numbers, they will connect to the Apthamitra number 14410. Initially, there were 85 online lines, the other lines along with Covid-19 calls will also accept calls regarding other issues. The helpline number 1912 has been upgraded to 550 lines and has been working 24/7 for the past two days. Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust Call Center will receive complaints on 18004258330 or 180004252646 about the private hospitals charging exorbitant charges.
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Apthamitra Telemedicine Helpline is helping the people by answering the queries on Covid-19 and about the protocol to be followed to contain the spread of the infection. In this regard, measures have been taken to set up a helpline which includes 1,100 staff. It is been asked to receive 5,000 calls per day. After the first wave of Covid-19, 22,001 oxygen beds, 1,248 HFNC beds, 701 ICU beds, and 2,000 ventilators was set up under the health and family welfare department. Meanwhile, 9905 oxygen beds, 646 ventilator beds, 570 HFNC beds, liquid medical oxygen capacity to 234KL was increased under the department of medical education. 400 ventilators are available under the Karnataka State Medical Supplies Corporation Limited. It will be transported to the essential hospitals that are in need. Measures have been taken to purchase 200 ventilators under the medical education department. The government has supplied six oxygen ventilators and 20 oxygen cylinders to taluk and district hospitals. The department has directed private hospitals to reserve 50% beds for the patients referred by the government.
For the availability of oxygen and Remdesivir, a call centre number 8951755722 has been set up. Measures have been taken to avail 80,000 vials of Remedesivir. Of which, we have already obtained 73,000. The remaining will be received in 3-4 days. The department has also ordered 122,000 vials of Remdesivir. A website that gives information about oxygen and Remedesivir has been started as well.
Free ambulance service for the Covid-19 victims is being provided by the government. BBMP and district administration have been asked to initiate action against the ambulance drivers who charge an exorbitant price for this service. For the past four days, 800 beds have been increased in the Government Medical University. In one week, 1,500 beds will be increased, the report informed. Further, it stated that measures have been taken to set up 2,100 beds in BBMP limits across 12 Covid-19 centres. Of which, 100 beds will be turned as oxygen beds. Guidelines have also been issued on Covid-19 plasma donation.