Leading By Example, Karnataka Minister Makes 50-Bed COVID Centre In His Residential Premises

Due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases, hospital beds, ICUs and ventilators are in high demand, and even if someone is ready to pay a hefty amount, it doesn't guarantee a hospital admission.

Overwhelmed by the number of admissions they get every day, hospitals are also forced to turn away patients, even if they are critical.

AFP

Though not at the scale of what is happening in Delhi and parts of north India, Karnataka, the second-worst Covid-hit state in India right now is also experiencing a hospital bed shortage.

One of the ways the authorities and NGOs are trying to at least partially overcome this is by setting up temporary hospitals or COVID care centers.

These are mostly meant for non-critical COIVD-19 patients who still need medical attention.

Home minister leads by example

In Karnataka, state Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai has taken an exemplary step after he handed over his house in his assembly constituency for use as a Covid Care Centre.

ANI

Can house 50 patients

The house, located at Shiggaon in Haveri district, can accommodate 50 Covid patients, and is being equipped with oxygen supply.

Along with the necessary medical equipment, the beds have been placed on the verandah. 50 oxygen concentrators are to be installed at each bedside to supply oxygen to the patients.

The son of former Chief Minister S.R. Bommai, Basavaraj Bommai represents Shiggaon constituency. His family lives in Hubballi, and he stays at the house on his constituency visits.

ANI

Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi too has dedicated a 50-bed CCC set up at Athani in Belagavi district with his personal donation of Rs 50 lakh.

Earlier, Bommai had said that "Step Down hospitals" should be set up in hotels with the help of private hospitals in the state to treat COVID-19 patients.

BCCL

Step down facility will be used to monitor patients who are discharged from hospitals and are in stable condition.

Cities like Delhi and Mumbai already had roped-in hotels and banquet halls as step down facilities attached to private hospitals to meet the rising need of hospital beds.