Coronavirus cases surge in Karnataka is disquieting as the majority of the cases are from one district, Bangalore. The skyrocketing spike in COVID-19 cases began when the city stepped in to the Unlock phase. Besides, the lack of access to hospital beds in the city adds to the misery.
Does Bangalore Have Enough Hospital beds?
Sadly, Bangalore has 100 ICU beds and 113 ICU COVID-19 patients. BBMP is admitting that the government hospitals in the city are running out of beds. But they also mention that the government is preparing more facilities. For instance, the government currently has 1300 beds, of which 700 are occupied. Whereas, medical colleges have 850 general and 200 emergency beds, all of which have patients. Also, COVID care facilities have 1381 beds, and 400 more will be available at the earliest. Even though private hospitals must reserve 50% of beds for coronavirus patients, they are not revealing actual numbers and thereby raising a sense of ambiguity during the panic-stricken mode.
Admission Denied at Hospitals in Bangalore
On 30 June, a man fighting for his life wasn’t permitted into hospitals. Not one but 18 hospitals across Bangalore denied the patient’s admission into hospital. After 38 hours of a constant struggle to get medical care, the man passed away on 1 June. The patient’s family even tried calling 32 COVID facilities, but all deny admission reasoning lack of beds. Additionally, the 58-year-old man got coronavirus test after his death. Further, adding to the misery is that the commotion put family members at risk.
The nine private hospitals will face dire charges from the state health department. As of now, the health department issued a notice demanding the reason for denying admission. Further action is due following a critical investigation.
Medical Care Complication
Medical care must be accessible to everyone, irrespective of an individual’s condition. The health system should gear up to provide treatment for coronavirus infection and other medical complications. However, the city is denying both facilities. The recent COVID-19 cost capping order for private hospitals is a prominent reason for their reluctance. Meanwhile, the cost capping did not even benefit commoners as well. Because a person referred by the public sector will have a COVID package ranging from Rs 5000 to Rs 10000, including ventilators. However, a common man will have to spend Rs 10000 to Rs 25000 for the same.
Also, the state government is failing to acknowledge the presence of community spread. As we live in denial, the situation is bound to get worse. Further, the information regarding symptoms in case of Coronavirus is very vague, thus causing more complications. Additionally, piling the agony government issued an order that demands the hospital to inform the health department first if a person tests positive for COVID-19 and not directly to the person.
Gear up to Fight the Pandemic
During the global pandemic, private and government hospitals need to set aside their differences and coordinate to diminish the infection. Accordingly, both these units have to focus on their common motive to help patients. Most important, the government must provide the right information. Also, it is necessary to create more COVID-19 care. Ideally, comprising of three units. First for tests and second for quarantine until results are out. In case the person tests positive, he must be shifted to a hospital for treatment. The third unit should focus on other health complications. In all, the state must unite to fight against the global pandemic without discrimination.
Coronavirus Case Report in Karnataka
Karnataka COVID-19 count surged to 19710 as 1694 new Coronavirus cases reported today. Concomitantly, it recorded 471 discharges making the recovered count 8805. Active cases in the state stand at 10608. The death toll mounts to 293 as 21 COVID-19 deaths reported today. Also, total COVID-19 testing in the state stands at 653627 on 2nd July. Karnataka COVID-19 cases are increasing at an alarming rate for a week.
District Wise Report
Bangalore remains at to the top of the list that entails worst-hit districts in Karnataka. As, Bangalore records 994 infections at a concerning rate, thus surpassing all the district. Currently, Bangalore houses 6296 COVID-19 cases while Ballari has 552 positive cases. Dakshina Kannada and Kalaburagi Districts follow with 507 and 395 Coronavirus positive cases respectively. Further, Bengaluru Urban District reported the highest (994) new COVID-19 cases today.