From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Apr 15: The state government has asked all government and private hospitals in Bengaluru to reserve more beds for Covid patients.

Private hospitals have also been instructed to reserve 50% of the beds. Strict action will be initiated against those who do not co-operate with the government, warned health and medical education minister Dr Sudhakar.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, the minister said 400 doctors have been transferred from the medical education department to the health department.

RGICD has been kept reserved for SARI and ILI related cases. Presently 300 beds are available in Victoria for Covid patients and will be increased to 500 shortly he said.

In addition, there will be 300 beds in Bowring, 150 in Charaka, 100 beds in HSIS GHOSHA and 100 beds will be reserved in KC General Hospital within two weeks, he said.

Instructions to private hospitals

Private hospitals have been asked to reserve 50% of beds for Covid patients. But private hospitals have reserved only 15-20% of what has been asked for. The state government will consider it a serious lapse, he said.

Strict measures will be initiated if the management of the private hospitals does not follow the government orders, the minister said.

Only critical non-Covid patients who need hospitalisation should be treated in the hospitals. The government cannot keep quiet if Covid patients are denied treatment. "I once again appeal to the private hospitals to cooperate with the government,’’ said the minister.

Private hospitals can arrange Covid Care Centres at hotels. Only critical patients are to be admitted to hospitals, said Dr Sudhakar.

Report to chief minister

Technical Advisory Committee will be submitting a report on increasing Covid cases and containment measures. The report will be handed over to the chief minister and he will take the decision after a detailed discussion with leaders in the all-party meeting and cabinet colleagues.

"I have discussed the crematorium issue with BBMP commissioner. 14-15 fatalities were reported yesterday. All of them were sent to a single crematorium since they were Covid cases. That is the reason for congestion,’’ he clarified.

Speaking on the KMC registration issue of MBBS students, Dr Sudhakar said rural service is mandatory for all medical students.

Some students have file appeals in court. We understand the plight of students and the government has taken the decision in favour of students. They are permitted to work elsewhere till they are recruited. They have been asked to get clearance from the legal department as well, he added.