Covid third wave fear starts in Karnataka: Govt reserved 20% beds in govt hospitals

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government will reserve 20% of beds in district and taluk hospitals and community health centres for children, Health Minister K Sudhakar said today.

Sudhakar was responding to a question raised by Congress MLA from Vijayanagar constituency M Krishnappa during question hour, on the issue of preparations made to tackle an imminent third wave of Covid-19, especially concerning children.

“The Technical Advisory Committee (consisting of experts) have suggested that children are at more risk during the possible third wave of COVID, in the wake of this the government has readied 25,870 oxygen supported beds and 502 paediatric ventilators both at the government and private level,” the Karnataka Health Minister said.

Also Read: Another cylinder Blast in Bengaluru: 3 worker dead on spot, 2 Serious injured

Sudhakar also said that about 285 paediatricians, 1,250 medical officers, 1,202 nurses, along with 85 paediatricians recruited on July 6-7, have been given special training regarding providing treatment for third wave of Covid-19. “All the required equipment and infrastructure have been kept ready, few more equipment are yet to come, probably in 15 days to three weeks time they will be made available at hospitals,” he added.

The state health minister further said 20% of beds at district and taluk hospitals, and community health centres will be reserved for children. Noting that as COVID numbers have come down there is no shortage of beds, he said, it is true that there are reports of shortage of beds at a couple of places like Raichur and immediate measures have been taken.

Also Read: Karnataka Covid Third Wave start: 14 students test positive in one district