Will Set Up More ICU Beds, Says Karnataka Amid Covid Surge

Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar also added that the government is trying to get around 2,000 to 2,500 beds in state capital Bengaluru alone.

With Karnataka recording almost 30,000 new coronavirus cases in data released on Saturday, the state government is trying to increase hospital beds - particularly ICU beds, with a shortfall having resulted due to the huge spike in infections. The state is talking of setting up thousands of ICU beds in a makeshift hospital. Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar visited the government's Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru for a site inspection for setting up modular ICUs and ventilators. The minister said, "We are trying to ramp up and augment medical facilities - particularly the ICU beds and healthcare staff. At the same time, we are trying to bring down the infection rate by curbing a lot of economic activities. We are ensuring there is no incentive for people to go out of their homes." The minister also added that the government is trying to get around 2,000 to 2,500 beds in state capital Bengaluru alone.