Thiruvananthapuram, July 21: Chief Minister, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan today announced that 742 Covid First Line Treatment Centres are expected to be ready by July 23. He also informed that there are 101 active clusters and 18 large community clusters. Most of these clusters are in the coastal areas of the State.
Addressing the media, the Chief Minister said, “There is no need for any concern about the medical and treatment facilities in view of the increasing numbers of Covid patients in the state. The setting up of Covid First-Line Treatment Centres (CFLTCs) under LSG bodies is progressing rapidly. Those who are antigen test positive, with no obvious symptoms or mild symptoms are admitted in CFLTCs.”
Giving details, the CM said that as on July 19, 20,404 beds were ready in 187 CFLTCs across the state. 305 doctors, 572 nurses, 62 pharmacists and 27 lab technicians have been assigned to the CFLTCs. 742 CFLTCs are expected to be ready by July 23 and this will increase the number of available beds to 69,215.
All CFLTCs will have the facility to conduct OP from morning to evening. Landline and internet facilities required for telemedicine will also be available. Ambulance facilities will be provided to each CFLTC. Those in isolation will get separate rooms with bathrooms. Arrangements are being made to ensure uninterrupted supply of water and electricity and supply of food. All CFLTCs will have facilities such as front office, doctor’s consulting room, nursing station, pharmacy, store, observation room, etc. Arrangements will be made for the scientific disposal of waste.
110 Testing Centres now in Kerala
The Chief Minister today informed that at present, there are 59 testing centres in the government sector and 51 in the private sector. Initially, there was only PCR test but now all types of tests are being conducted.
“The number of testing centres and tests will be further increased. The tariff for Covid treatment in private hospitals has been fixed. Many private hospitals have now started Covid treatment centres. Two self-financed private medical colleges in Kannur and Wayanad have been set aside only for Kovid treatment”, he added.
The Chief Minister reiterated that some people are continuing to mislead the public through their propaganda. “The State has taken all efforts to contain the outbreak of the pandemic. The fight against Covid is similar to a marathon which is a true test of endurance. Kerala still has one of the lowest case-fatality rates in the world. The case fatality rate in Kerala is 0.33% much less than the national average. Even at this time, the low mortality rate in an area with such a high population density, geriatric population and high incidence of diseases indicates that Kerala’s defence is excellent. Kerala is also far ahead in testing. We perform 44 tests per positive case. The improved situation here is a result of the care and vigilance we have shown in combating the Covid pandemic. Kerala is the only state in India that traces secondary contacts. Very few places have shown the kind of caution and preparation that we have shown.”