Karnataka seeks Central Govt’s nod to directly procure Remdesivir from abroad

Bengaluru, April, 23 2021: The state government is taking all possible measures to get enough supply of ventilators and Remdesivir. While it has taken steps to increase the ventilator availability by 10 times, Health Minister Dr Sudhakar has also spoken to Biocon MD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw for Remdesivir vials. The government is also trying to directly procure 2 lakh vials from abroad.

Speaking to reporters Health Minister Dr Sudhakar said that as per the direction of Chief Minister steps have been taken to increase the availability of ventilators by 10 times in the state.

He said that in 15 days, atleast 2000 makeshift ICU beds will be ready of which 800 of them will have ventilators.

“In Victoria hospital campus 250 ICU beds will be set up and in another new building 150-200 ICU beds will be arranged. 100 of them will have ventilators. Makeshift arrangements will also be set up at Bowring, RGICD and NIMHANS hospitals,” the Minister said.

“We are getting 10,000 to 20,000 vials of Remdesivir on a daily basis. Centre has allocated additional 25,00 vials. I have also spoke to Biocon MD Kiran Mazumdar Shaw to supply 10,000 vials in 10 days and another 50,000-60,000 vials within a month. We are trying to directly procure 2 lakh vials from abroad. We are seeking centre’s approval for this,” he added

Suggestions made in PM VC

“Strengthening home isolation and tele-medicine was discussed in PM’s VC with CMs to reduce burden on hospitals and healthcare workers. We have requested center to support in augmenting oxygen as it is estimated that we would need 1000 MT of oxygen by this month end and About 1500 MT in May,” he said.