Thiruvananthapuram : A meeting chaired by Health Minister Veena George was convened of major hospitals in the state to assess preparations for Covid third wave. To prevent Medical Colleges from becoming overwhelmed, it was decided to upscale the peripheral hospitals in three-tier by expanding ICU and oxygen beds capacities there. Also, the ICUs at these hospitals will be integrated with Medical Colleges meaning, the Medical College doctors would be able to make interventions in treatment of patients admitted at these hospitals. The integration will ease burden on Medical Colleges along with bringing competent medical care at three-tier rungs.
The minister instructed various departmental heads to augment ICU, oxygen bed and ventilator numbers at hospitals. The Health Department Director, Director of Medical Education and DMOs at district level have been entrusted with assessing current facilities at various hospitals and medical colleges, and making required upgradations. Facilities at District, General and Taluk hospitals should be expanded. Reserve stock of medicines, medical equipment and other essentials should be ensured at all times at hospitals. Steps should be taken toward ensuring full working capacities of pediatric wards at hospitals, the minister instructed.
The minister informed that added oxygen units in districts have been set up as part of state-central joint efforts. Construction of 33 more units would be complete by end of August. Accurate data on number of beds, oxygen beds and ICUs should be reported. Suitable interventions shall be effected to meet staff shortages. Departmental heads should ensure vacancies are punctually reported to PSC.
Participants at the meeting comprised Health Department Principal Secretary Dr. Rajan N Khobradade, NHM State Mission Director Dr. rattan Khelkar, Director of Medical Education Dr. A Ramla Beevi, HealthDepartment Additional Directors, Medical College Hospital Principals, Hospital Superintendents, DMOs DPMs and District Surveillance Officers
