Bengaluru: Private Hospitals have agreed to reserve 50 percent of its beds for COVID-19 patients with immediate effect and also discharge non-serious non-covid patients from the Hospitals by this weekend, said Health and Medical Education Minister Dr. K. Sudhakar.  

Talking to reporters after a video-conferencing with Association members of Private Hospitals this morning, he said the Hospital owners were apprised about the prevailing situation in the State as well as surge in Corona positive cases. Their co-operation was sought in the treatment of Corona positive cases by reserving 50 percent of beds for them as done last year. 

The Private facilities also agreed to discharge non-serious non-covid patients before this weekend to treat Covid patients. They were also requested to open and manage hotels into Covid-19 Care Centres for the treatment of asymptomatic patients who were afraid of taking treatment in Hospitals. This will be helpful for families who have tested positive for Corona, Dr. Sudhakar said. 

On the shortage of Remdesivir drug faced by Private Hospitals, the Minister said three companies which were manufacturing this medicine have stopped production consequent to fall in Corona positive cases. There has been no problems as far as the Government supply was concerned. The State Government has written to Drugs Controller General of India to direct the companies concerned to resume production in the interest of Private Hospitals, he noted.