Thiruvananthapuram: 26,685 persons were detected with Covid-19 in Kerala today from 1,31,155 tests conducted in the last 24 hours. 25 deaths were also confirmed and at present, there are a total of 1,98,576 patients under treatment for the disease. This was informed by the Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan today. He also informed that private hospitals in the State have expressed their full support and cooperation to the government in its fight against the pandemic and the treatment of Covid patients.
In today’s meeting with the representatives of the private hospitals, the government has put forth several suggestions. All hospitals should increase their bed capacity on a war footing. At least 25% of the total beds should be kept aside for Covid treatment. They should regularly inform the District health department officials about the statistics of the availability of beds as this would help in better management and proper utilisation of beds. They should make available the services of specialist doctors for serious patients. ICU and ventilators should be kept fully serviced and ready for deployment. Services of ambulances from different organisations should be coordinated for better use. The private hospitals should follow the government fee structure for Covid treatment. At the same time, they should ensure treatment for non-Covid patients too.
The Government has requested all private hospitals to empanel with the State Health Agency. The government has further assured the settlement of accounts and payments for Covid treatment within 15 days. The Chief Secretary and the Health Secretary will look into any complaints that may arise. Guidelines for the treatment of the beneficiaries of the Karunya Aarogya Suraksha Pathadi (Karunya Health Security Scheme) in private hospitals will be issued soon.
Commenting on the Covid situation in the State, the Chief Minister said, “Looking at the district-wise number of the new positive cases, the disease is widespread across the state. The present situation is not scary as in northern states but we need to maintain a constant vigil. We will have to go back to the basics that helped us tide over the first phase of Covid in the State – using masks, using hand sanitisers, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds, etc. There have been shortcomings in our guard against the disease. The second wave in the state has the presence of the genetically mutant virus, which could lead to a serious situation. Those coming from other states should strictly follow quarantine norms. ”
Meanwhile, the CM today reiterated that charging for vaccine and the high vaccine cost under the new vaccine policy was not justified. “It should be made available free for the State government and at a reasonable cost for private hospitals.”