From Our Special Correspondent

Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jul 9: Grappling with the rising COVID infection numbers and fatalities in Karnataka, especially in the state capital city of Bengaluru, chief minister B S Yediyurappa has promised steps to contain the pandemic with the availability of 10,000 beds for the treatment of infected people and 2200 medical personnel, including doctors, nurses and housekeeping staff, at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

The chief minister, who visited BIEC on Thursday, told media persons that the state government is making all efforts to contain the rapid surge of cases of COVID-19 in Bengaluru.

"I have visited the COVID Care Centre established at the Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre and inspected the facilities. The COVID Care Centre will have a capacity of 10,100 beds and has all necessary facilities. For every 100 patients, one doctor, two nurses, one support staff, one housekeeping staff and two BBMP Marshals will be deployed. As many as 2200 personnel including doctors, nurses, support staff, housekeeping staff, BBMP marshals and police will be deputed,’’ he said.

The patients will be provided with good quality food. Recreation facilities such as TV, carrom boards, chess boards etc. are also being provided. Safety kits for the staff who are involved in taking care and monitoring, emergency treatment facilities, ICU, ECG, oxygen support, first aid and pharmacy facilities will also be provided, he said.

In addition, the chief minister said a control room will be established to monitor them 24 hours and this Centre will have a tie up with nearby hospitals. Laundry facility will be provided to wash the blankets and bedsheets of the patients. Segregation and disposal of waste will be done systematically. The Centre will take care of people who are asymptomatic and persons who are mildly infected.

"This system is established to enhance availability of beds and treatment in hospitals for those who are in critical condition. Since the unlock process began, increasing numbers of cases have been reported in the state,’’ he said.

Yediyurappa said, "The state government is taking all measures to combat the disease. We have rectified all the loopholes immediately, as and when they are brought to our notice. The centralized bed allocation system is already in place and helpline is also established.’’

"People must not lose hope and I appeal to the citizens to co-operate with us. If there is a delay in the arrival of an ambulance as soon as the reports confirm the disease or if there is denial to admit the patients to the hospitals, please bring it to our notice and action will be taken. Similarly, I appeal to all legislators to give priority to control the disease in their constituencies. Please visit taluk hospitals and COVID hospitals and inspect if all required facilities are in place. If there is any lacunae bring it to my notice, it will be rectified,’’ he said.

"Combating COVID through precautionary measures, providing timely treatment to infected and saving lives must be our priority,’’ he said appealing to people from Bengaluru not to travel to their villages unnecessarily.

"Precautions must be taken to prevent spreading the infection to villages,’’ he said asserting: "Together, we must contain COVID. This is going to be a long battle. We can win our fight against COVID through consistent efforts and with your cooperation, support and collective will power.’’