COVID-19 surge: Karnataka mulls import of 2 lakh Remdesivir vials, increase ventilators availability by 10 times

Bengaluru: As the second wave of coronavirus an infection instances mounted in Karnataka at an alarming fee, Chief Minister BS Yeddiyurappa on Friday (April 23) directed officers to increase availability of ventilators by 10 times. In addition, the non-public hospitals within the state have been requested to determine makeshift hospitals to deal with COVID-19 sufferers. 

Speaking to media, Karnataka Health Minister Dr Ok Sudhakar mentioned that there are some points with availability of exaggerated and ICU beds and ventilators. “In 15 days, atleast 2000 makeshift ICU beds will be ready. 800 of them will have ventilators. In Victoria hospital campus 250 ICU beds will be set up and in another new building 150-200 ICU beds will be arranged. 100 of them will have ventilators. Makeshift hospitals will also be set up at Bowring, RGICD and NIMHANS hospitals,” mentioned the minister.

With demand taking pictures up for Remdesivir following the alarming rise in COVID-19 instances within the state, Karnataka is considering importing two lakh vials of the anti-viral drug. The state can be in contact with non-public producers to provide Remdesivir. “The state is getting 10,000 to 20,000 vials of Remdesivir on a daily basis and the Centre has allocated additional 25,000 vials. I have spoken to Biocon executive chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw to supply 10,000 vials in 10 days and another 50,000-60,000 vials within a month,” he mentioned.

“We are trying to directly procure two lakh vials from abroad. We are seeking Centre’s approval for this,” the minister mentioned. Further, the state is rising steps to increase the availability of ventilators by 10 times, Sudhakar mentioned. “In 15 days, at least 2,000 makeshift ICU beds will be ready. 800 of them will have ventilators.”

In Victoria hospital campus 250 ICU beds will probably be arrange and in one other new constructing, 150-200 ICU beds will probably be organized and 100 of them can have ventilators, the minister mentioned. He added that makeshift hospitals may even be arrange at Bowring, RGICD and NIMHANS hospitals.

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