Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (ANK)

Mangaluru, Aug 12: Chief minister (CM) Basavaraj Bommai directed officials to scientifically separate Covid patients who are in home isolation and shift them to Covid care centers.

He was speaking at a review meeting held regarding the controlling of pandemic at zilla panchayat office on Thursday August 12.

Bommai said, “There is a need to control the rising cases in the district. During the second wave, the district administration has managed very well. We have to now control the positivity rate in the district. Among the active cases, 80% of them are in home isolation which is not a good sign in this situation. We need to shift them to Covid care centres at the earliest.

“We need to conduct tests twice for those who are in home isolation and triage them so that doctors can take a call whether they have to be shifted to Covid care centers or hospitals. The district administration should ensure more facilities at the Covid care centres and convince them to get themselves admitted.

“The patients who are in home isolation should make their house including four surrounding houses as micro containment zone and guide them. The main intention of the meeting today here is to find solution to the problems.

“We have more challenges in the district as we have eight medical colleges. Economic activities takes place here. We share borders with Kerala, so we cannot trouble non-positive people by imposing lockdown,” he said.

MLA U T Khader said, “Convincing the home isolation patients to shift to Covid care centers will be a challenging task. If we take them to Covid care centers, then the chances of people coming for tests will become less they will fear that they will be shifted to Covid care centers.”

MLA Dr Bharath Y Shetty said, “Even the people working at the work place of positive tested patients should be considered as primary contacts. If we shape up the system, then we can handle the situation well including intensifying tests at the borders.”

MLC Bhojegowda said, “Micro containment zones during the first wave was a good method because even the neighbours will be alert and aware by taking some measures. Even if any positive patients roam unnecessarily, they will inform to the concerned officials which will help them to take action.”

Bommai advised that more health officials and police should be deployed on the borders in three shifts. “Earlier, the daily visitors from Kerala to Mangaluru had to possess RT-PCR test negative report for every 14 days which is now reduced to 7 days,” he said.

Deputy commissioner (DC) Dr K V Rajendra said, “We have 16 oxygen plants in which 9 are working and 7 have been commissioned which will start functioning probably from August 20.”

Bommai responded saying, “We have increased the oxygen manufacturing units and also we have enough logistics support. We have found new sources of oxygen suppliers. I can assure that there will be no oxygen crisis in the coming days.

“I have urged to set up paediatric ICU in every hospital. No children should be left unchecked as their health is very important. Paediatric beds should be arranged whenever required,” he said.

Vaccination

Bommai said, “We will take measures to provide vaccines for the border taluks on priority basis. Even Mangaluru city will be covered. Vaccines will be provided in 3-4 instalments.

“The district administration is doing a tremendous job in tackling the pandemic. I hope this meeting will bring a positive outcome in controlling the pandemic so that the district will be a model in the country. Meanwhile, public cooperation is very important,” he said.

Bommai takes DC, district health officer to task

The CM took the DC and district health officer (DHO) Dr Kishore Kumar to task over the scarcity of gloves and masks for health workers.

When MLA U T Khader raised the issue, Bommai questioned the DC about his administration and said that when there are enough funds provided through SDRF why masks and gloves are not provided to health workers. He also asked the DHO why he had not brought the issue of lack of masks and gloves to the notice of the DC.

The CM did not listen to any explanation and urged the DC and the DHO to take immediate steps to provide masks and gloves to the health workers. He also said that the DHO is totally unaware about the requirements and ordered for a complete report by evening.

Harish Poonja welcomes dignitaries in Tulu

Beltangady MLA Harish Poonja welcomed the dignitaries in Tulu language and also urged the chief minister to include Tulu to the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. During his speech, Poonja misspelt eighth schedule to 18th schedule of Indian Constitution.

MP Nalin Kumar Kateel, health minister Dr Sudhakar, power minister Sunil Kumar, minister for fisheries S Angara, minister for social welfare Kota Srinivas Poojary, police commissioner N Shashi Kumar and others were present.

Bommai also inaugurated the 24x7 pure drinking water project under KUIDFC Jalasiri for Mangaluru city. The project worth Rs 792.42 crore has construction of Rs 587.67 crore and Rs 204.75 crore for maintenance for 8 years. The project tender is given to SUEZ Projects Private Limited and DRS Infratech Private Limited.