On Thursday, Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa said that the country’s biggest COVID Care Centre, with 10,100 beds, will open in the next week at Bengaluru International Exhibition Centre (BIEC) at Tumakuru Road.

The CM and his cabinet ministers, Deputy CM Dr Ashwath Nrayan, Health Minister B Sriramulu, Home Minister Basavaraj Bommai, Medical Education Minister Dr Sudhakar and Revenue Minister R Ashoka, along with senior officers had visited BIEC and reviewed the facilities.

Yediyurappa told the reporters that due to the growing number of cases in Bengaluru, the State government is taking all efforts to control and organize treatment facilities. This upcoming COVID Care Centre has all the basic amenities with 10,100 beds, which also includes 100 beds for ICU patients. A team of senior IAS officers has set this up and is monitoring it. The central team had visited the centre, and appreciated the arrangements done. He further said that increase in cases was expected after unlocking, hence they are equipped.

He said that above 2,200 staffers will be appointed in the BICE, which includes doctors and police staff. For every 100 patients, one doctor, two nurses, two cleaning staff and marshals would be available. There are also arrangements done for scientific disposal of garbage. A dedicated team for laundry for washing bed sheets, blankets and pillow covers are also deployed. Mildly symptomatic patients will be accommodated with a centralized system for bed arrangement. ICU, ECG and oxygen support facilities are also available and a control room is set up at the nearest hospital to monitor the centre 24x7.

The government has also made arrangements to keep patients entertained, such as indoor games like carrom board and chess. Television sets are also set up. Hygienic food would be supplied for both patients and staff who are taking care. The CM has requested the public to cooperate with the authorities. If an ambulance is being delayed or private hospitals are not admitting COVID patients, then they should bring it to their notice. There is no need to panic. He also appealed to MLAs to visit the taluka and other government hospitals in their districts and get any concerns to his notice. The CM said that Medical Education Minister Sudhakar has also interacted with private hospitals regarding charges. The authorities have been told to take action against those who are charging in excess.

Source: The New Indian Express