Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (ANK)
Mangaluru Jul 31: With coronavirus engulfing the district, strategies and preparedness of hospitals to treat the influx of patients were addressed. Speaking to the media here on Friday, July 31, deputy commissioner Dr K V Rajendra said, "So far over 5,000 cases and over 142 deaths have been reported in the district. Among them, 2,561 people have been discharged and 2,800 are active cases. Out of the positive cases, 1,850 are suffering from severe acute and respiratory illness and 349 are experiencing from influenza-like illness. Of the 61 hospitals in the district, there are 4,608 beds, in which 662 are occupied and 3,946 beds are available. Over 3,800 are normal beds, 633 are high flow oxygen beds. There are 16 ventilators that are currently available. We have received 40 ventilators from the government and under the CSR activity, several corporations have come forward to donate the same."
"We will are planning out a strategy to strengthen our surveillance that lays focus on tracing the primary contact with a means to contain the spread of infection. The task force at ward level and gram panchayat level have been already formed, with the help of a team of senior doctors a capacity building exercise would be conducted for the task force from the first week of August," the DC said.
Addressing the areas of coronavirus testing, the deputy commissioner said, "Rapid Antigen tests will be used effectively with the coordination of private hospitals in the district. The aim is to prevent people from getting anxious about the whole ordeal. The district administration is considering to set up a grievance redressal platform for coronavirus related queries. People are requested to compulsorily adhere to social distancing norms and wear masks while stepping out," Dr K V Rajendra stressed.
"A survey of every house has been conducted along with complete details about the occupants of all age groups. We will prioritize vulnerable populations and decide to conduct a health survey with the help of local teachers," he added.
On being asked about some private hospitals barring patients from getting treatment on the grounds of unavailability of beds, Dr K V Rajendra said, "Regarding the bed issue, an online platform will be set up or a mobile app, which would detail the number of beds available in the hospitals," the DC said.
Responding to the excessive bill generated at the private hospitals for treatment, Dr K V Rajendra said, "As per the government orders a price slab has been fixed. If a private hospital is charging exorbitantly a severe action on the concerned will be taken. We will also conduct meetings with private hospitals association and direct our efforts to look into the matter."