Start Fever Clinics in every Ward, GP limits

Bengaluru: Former Chief Minister and JD-S leader H.D. Kumaraswamy has given ten suggestions to the State Government to check the spread of Coronavirus in Karnataka.

In a letter to Chief Minister B.S.Yediyurappa, a copy of which was released to the Press, he said the COVID-19 pandemic was increasing and putting excess burden on health system. The battle against the contagion must be still stronger. After discussing the current crisis with experts, doctors and others concerned, he has come up with certain suggestions which could be implemented to check the further spread of virus. They are: 

1. Fever Clinics: Set up 3-4 Fever Clinics in every Ward, Gram Panchayat limits as it will prevent people with minor ailments from getting admission into Hospitals. This will also help to identify Corona positive patients.

2. Staff deployment: Deploy medical teaching staff and staff of National Health Mission in Corona control mission. Their services can be used in the management of Covid Care Centres and staff-crunched Hospitals.

3. Use AYUSH College, Hospital: Treatment could be given for asymptotic and mild symptom patients in AYUSH Colleges and Hospitals. This will reduce burden on other Hospitals and ensure treatment for all infected.

4. Care Centres: Medical Colleges and Hospitals, hotels must be used as Care Centres for asymptotic patients. Only those who require advance treatment must be admitted to hospitals.

5. Bed allotment power: Health staff at Ward and GP levels must recommend to the War Room regarding who should be allotted bed. This power must not be given to data entry operators.

6. One Officer for every Hospital: An officer of KAS or IAS rank must be appointed for each Medical College and Hospital to look after bed for patients, medicine and food supply. They must also fulfill needs of doctors and medical staff.

7. Fix responsibility for Officers: The Government must fix responsibility on Officer in-charge of every Hospital and he/she must visit the facility daily. All requirements of patients and Hospital staff must be looked into and resolve them on-the-spot.

8. Involve volunteers: Volunteers who are fighting against the pandemic must be requested to come to the rescue of health system that is trying to save lives of people. Suggestions given by them could be examined before implementing them.

9. Vaccination & Awareness: Vaccination must be made available at Fever Clinics. Awareness must be created that vaccine checks the contagion.

10. Regularise committed workers: The Government must regularise the services of contract workers in Health Department who are doing exceptionally well in the current crisis.