From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network

Bengaluru, Jun 17: A state-of-the-art 20-bed ICU set up in the government medical college in Mandya aimed at providing quality health service was inaugurated by deputy chief minister and State Covid Task Force chief Dr C N Ashwatha Narayan on Thursday.

This hi-tech ICU unit is the first of its kind in Mandya and has been funded by the Hombale Group, which is engaged in construction and movie production among other sectors.

The group headed by Vijay Kiragandur has donated Rs 2.35 crore to provide health infrastructure for hospitals in the district.

Out of Rs 2.35 crore, Rs 55 lac is spent to set up the ICU unit, and Rs 90 lac each will be spent to set up oxygen generator plants in Pandavapura and KR Pete taluk hospitals.

Earth breaking ceremony has already been performed for the Pandavapura oxygen plant while in the KR Pete hospital, machines are being installed and the work will be completed in two weeks. Each of these units has a capacity of generating 500 litres of oxygen per minute.

The ICU is fitted with world-class ventilators and monitors. In addition, this has been facilitated with a remote control system that enables doctors to care for and provide treatment to patients from wherever they are and has a four-way communication system.

Speaking on the occasion, Vijay Kiraganduru, said, "The hard lessons taught by Covid have made us realize the importance of health. Everyone should have access to quality health services irrespective of his/her being rich or poor. This is my small contribution towards that cause for my native district.”

Dr K C Narayana Gowda, district in-charge minister, MLAs M Srinivasa, KT Srikanth Gowda, C P Umesh, MD, DCC Bank, Ashwathi, district commissioner, Cheluve Gowda, director, Hombale Group, Harish, director, VIMS, and senior district officials were present.