Mock drills held at hospitals across Karnataka to ensure COVID preparedness

PTI, Dec 28, 2022, 8:33 AM IST

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Hubballi/Dharwad: The COVID response mock drills to check readiness to deal with any increase in the number of Coronavirus cases was successfully held at hospitals across the state, Karnataka Health Minister Sudhakar said on Tuesday.

He assured that readiness will be constantly monitored and reviewed.

The Minister also called on people to join hands with the government and follow precautionary measures, while making it clear that there is no proposal to impose restrictions that will hamper economic activities.

Sudhakar visited hospitals in Hubballi and Dharwad to inspect the mock drill.

“There are about 8.5 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccine available in the state and I urge everyone to get the third dose,” Sudhakar said.

Further noting that 50-60 beds are reserved for Coronavirus patients in each hospital, the Minister said, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences (KIMS) in Hubballi, which he visited today, has 200 ventilators, a team of expert doctors and staff, and there is also a good stock of medicines and oxygen capacity.

Later in Dharwad, he said, “Even if the number of infected people increases, we are prepared to ensure everyone gets quality treatment, and all measures are being taken for treatment of COVID-19 patients at the government hospitals and readiness will be constantly monitored and reviewed by district authorities.” More than 10,000 personnel were recruited on contract basis for the last two years. “Now there is no such need, but if the number of infected people increases, temporary staff will be appointed. Many staff are recruited on contract basis under the National Health Mission,” he said.

However, while noting that there is no provision in the rules to make them permanent, the Minister clarified that no one has been removed from service.

Pointing out that 8.5 lakh doses of COVID vaccine are available in the state, Sudhakar said, another 20-25 lakh doses will be procured.

“The Union government is ready to give the vaccine. Vaccination will be increased from the gram panchayat level itself,” he added.