H.D. Kote: The District Administration has initiated steps to increase the number of oxygenated beds in the wake of surge in Corona positive cases, said Co-operation and District in-Charge Minister S.T. Somashekar.

Speaking at a review meeting of COVID-19 pandemic in H.D. Kote taluk yesterday, he said that Private Hospitals have been strictly told to reserve 50 percent of beds for treatment of Corona positive patients. Already, two rounds of meetings have been held with Suttur Seer Sri Shivarathri Deshikendra Swamiji and he has agreed to reserve 300 oxygenated beds for the Government. The second wave of COVID-19 pandemic was very dangerous as it spreads very fast, causing more positive cases and claiming lives. This has necessitated the State Government to take preventive steps, he said.

He directed officers to make Panchayat Development Officers (PDOs) to work following complaints against them in the taluk.

MLA Anil Chikkamadu complained to the Minister that the Taluk General Hospital didn’t have Physicians and this had been discussed even in KDP meeting. “Doctors have not been posted to Primary Health Centres. Three ambulances allotted to the taluk needs repair and only one vehicle is working. The Government must post doctors and experienced medical staff to the Taluk Hospital,” he added.

Deputy Commissioner Rohini Sindhuri said people must understand about COVID-19 themselves. “The number of cases was less during the first wave of Corona but it was spreading everywhere dangerously and claiming lives now. It was important for the people to follow the safety rules strictly,” she added.

Superintendent of Police C.B. Ryshyanth said that H.D. Kote taluk borders have been sealed to check entry of outsiders unnecessarily. Vehicles of those who flout the rules, were being seized.

Karnataka Safai Karmachari Commission Chairman M. Shivanna, ZP CEO A.M. Yogesh, Tahsildar Nargund, Taluk Health Officer Dr. Ravi, Jungle Lodges and Resorts Chairman M. Appanna and others were present .