Karnataka Health Minister K Sudhakar on Thursday said as part of its preparation to fight the possible third wave of COVID-19, the state government has taken several measures, including reserving 20 per cent of beds in district and local hospitals and community health centres for children.
He was responding to a question raised by Congress MLA from Vijayanagar constituency M Krishnappa during question hour, on the issue of preparations made to tackle the possible third wave of COVID-19, especially concerning children.
"The Technical Advisory Committee (consisting of experts) have suggested that children are at more risk during the possible third wave of COVID, in the wake of this the government has readied 25,870 oxygen supported beds and 502 paediatric ventilators both at the government and private level," Mr Sudhakar said.
He said about 285 paediatricians, 1,250 medical officers, 1,202 nurses, along with 85 paediatricians recruited on July 6-7, have been given special training regarding providing treatment for third wave of COVID-19.
"All the required equipment and infrastructure have been kept ready, few more equipment are yet to come, probably in 15 days to three weeks time they will be made available at hospitals," he added.
The minister further said 20 per cent of beds at district and taluk (local) hospitals, and community health centres will be reserved for children.
Noting that as COVID-19 numbers have come down there is no shortage of beds, he said, it is true that there are reports of shortage of beds at a couple of places like Raichur and immediate measures have been taken.
"Action has been taken and instructions have been given to officials to ensure there is no shortage of beds," he said.
Intervening, Congress MLA Shivanand Patil from Basavana Bagevadi constituency, pointed out that there is a shortage of beds for delivery at mother and child hospitals, especially in Vijayapura district, where the highest number of deliveries are taking place in the state.
Responding to this, Minister Sudhakar said, at some district centres more deliveries are taking place, especially in border districts, as people from neighbouring states also come there, and the government will take steps to enhance the number of beds.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
173 New COVID-19 Cases, 2 Deaths Reported In Karnataka In 24 Hours Home Quarantine Mandatory In Karnataka For Flyers From High-Risk Countries Karnataka Covid Guidelines For New Year: 10 Latest Facts Parents On Mumbai Ferry Wanted To Toss Children In Sea. Rescuers Stopped Them "Who Was Driving?" JD Vance Slams 'Misleading' Headlines On Germany Attack Man Accidentally Drops iPhone In Temple Box. Why He Won't Get It Back "Misinformation, Character Assassination": Actor Allu Arjun On Stampede Row UGC NET Dec 2024: Exam From Jan 3-16, Check Test Pattern, Previous Cut-offs Maha Kumbh 2025: Know History, Location, Significance And More Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.