Ensure Covid Tools in Hospital: Min.

Hyderabad: Health minister C. Damodar Rajanarasimha on Saturday directed health authorities to inspect the functioning of ventilators in various hospitals and ordered the immediate utilisation of oxygen concentrators for treatment.

During a comprehensive review of Covid-19 control measures in the backdrop of cases rising again, Rajanarasimha emphasised the swift restoration of PSA (pressure swing adsorption) plants in hospitals that are facing oxygen shortage. Additionally, the minister instructed health officials to ensure the prompt availability of essential equipment and drugs in Covid-19 wards.

As part of the review, officials reported the collection of 6,344 samples from wards where essential resources were allocated, the results of which are under scrutiny. The minister highlighted the ongoing efforts to enhance testing capacity, with a target of conducting 4,000 tests daily by the end of December.

Rajanarasimha said there will be an evening briefing for the media at 4 pm and issued directives for the prompt release of bulletins. The review also witnessed the presence of key officials, including Christina Chongthu, Director-General of Health Services.

Meanwhile, 12 new Covid cases were confirmed on Saturday, following the nine on Friday. The total number of cases in the state has now reached 38, with one reported recovery.

According to the Covid status bulletin released by the office of the Director of Public Health, the new cases include nine from Hyderabad, and one each from Rangareddy, Sangareddy, and Warangal districts.

On Saturday, 1,322 samples were tested, bringing the total samples tested per million population to 10,52,545. Additionally, results from 30 more samples are pending after testing concluded on Saturday night.

Notably, a six-month-old baby is undergoing treatment for Covid at Niloufer Hospital, marking the third infant under six months reported to have tested positive in the past week.

The government said that patients with moderate to severe symptoms, regardless of their COVID status, can seek treatment at any notified Government Covid Hospital. Beds will be provided based on clinical requirements, and treatment will be administered free of cost and reassured that it is well-prepared to handle any unforeseen circumstances.