From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, May 12: With a view to solve the problems by the Covid patients due to non-availability of beds in hospitals, the State Government is setting up 3,200 Step-Down Hospitals.
While 1,200 Step-Down hospitals have already been set up, another 2,000 Step-Down hospitals will be established in the next two days, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai said in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
The minister, who has been designated as the head of the hospital beds for the treatment of Covid patients, made the announcement during an interaction with the media representatives after a virtual meeting with the representatives of the Private Hospitals Association, Hotel Owners Association and Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) officials.
Bommai, who is also the State’s Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, said the Step-Down hospitals are being established in the big hotels located around the major hospitals. Tie-ups with the management of 13 big hotels in the city have already been arranged. Similar arrangements with hospitals and hotels are being made.
In the Step-Down hospitals being created in the big hotels around the major hospitals, beds, oxygen concentrators and other necessary facilities necessary for the treatment of the Covid patients will be provided, Dr Narayan said.
On the request of the Hotel Owners Associations, the State Government has agreed to link the Step-Down hospitals with the SAST portal. The government has decided to ensure vaccination of the hotel staff on a priority basis, he said.
In addition, Dr Narayan said 10 to 15 extra oxygenated beds are being provided in the premises of the hospitals and the State Government has given the necessary permission and will provide support.
The Deputy Chief Minister said after his discussion with the senior officials appointed to monitor the allotment of beds in private hospitals, the State Government has decided to take action against three private hospitals which were furnishing false information to the government on giving beds.
Private hospitals with less than 30 beds must spare beds
He said the State Government has decided to secure beds for the government quota in all hospitals having even less than 30 beds, which will include ICU beds and oxygenated beds.
Bommai clarified that the testing has not been reduced in the State. All those who are required to be tested as per the Central guidelines are being tested, he said.
The Home Minister said the State has to get oxygen from Odisha, Tatanagar and other places. Once the oxygen tankers arrive, refilling the oxygen tankers is not a problem and the oxygen supply will be carried out without any problem.
He also pointed out that vaccines will be available to all the eligible persons. “There is need for some patience as vaccine manufacture is being delayed. Initially most people were reluctant to get themselves vaccinated and now with the surge in the Second Wave more people suddenly want vaccine shots. Those who have received the first jab, will be given the second dose on priority basis,’’ he added.