From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Dec 3: As part of the preparations for facing the possible third wave of Covid pandemic, Karnataka has taken up an ambitious project for providing one-month training to 18,000 nurses, ramp up paediatric intensive care units and medical colleges.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar, who is also in charge of Medical Education, said Medical colleges across the State have been instructed to make necessary preparations in order to be ready for possible third Covid wave in Karnataka.

After chairing a video conference meeting with the directors of the medical colleges on possible third wave and the new Omicron virus related treatment, Health Minister told reporters that there are 21 medical colleges offering health services at the district level.

Everyone, including the Heads of Department, Professors and Senior Doctors of Medical Colleges have been advised to stand up to the demand and provide effective treatment.

They can also avail the help of resident doctors, and final year medical students, the Minister said.

During the first and second wave, state faced a shortage of nurses to treat those who were in the ICUs. Now that problem has been solved, he said there are about 18,000 people in final year nursing and paramedics.

Officials have been asked to provide one month training for them, in collaboration with Rajiv Gandhi University of Health sciences and other institutions, said Dr Sudhakar adding officials are instructed to prepare of ICUs for children.

“We have information on all necessary equipment and other systems which are required. Issues raised by institutions are also addressed and solutions provided for the issues flagged by them. Resident doctor's Covid risk allowance to the tune of Rs 55 crore is pending and Finance Department has released the amount. The total amount required is nearly Rs 73 crore and it will be credited to the concerned account within a couple of days,’’ he said.

He explained that there were some technical glitches to credit salaries to their account. Institutions have taken twenty days to be registered in HRMS. From December onwards, salaries will be directly credited to their bank accounts, he said.

As per the advice of the Covid Technical Committee, a special ICU and ward will be provided for the omicron infected persons. Those who are infected with Delta will be treated in a separate ward. Number of beds and ICUs to be reserved will be decided soon, he said.

“Priority has been given to trace those 57 passengers from Africa. In the past, our police department has done a good job of tracking down those who have escaped. And our Police demonstrate their efficiency and will track them all. But I urge the passengers to act responsibly and with social concern,’’ Dr Sudhakar said.