Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister Dr Ashwathnarayan C.N. joined NewsX on Friday for a conversation around combating black fungus, the ongoing vaccination programme, managing Covid-19 cases, and other issues.
Excerpts:
Q. What is the current status of Black Fungus in Karnataka? Is the state prepared to deal with it?
We have first-line treatment for Black Fungus which includes Liposomal and Amphotericin B injections. Alternatives are also available and are being used to treat patients. Only one lakh vials of Liposomal and Amphotericin B injections are available in our country which is insufficient. However, the Government of India is effectively addressing the demand by importing, and the production of these injections will soon begin in the country.
Q. Why hasn’t Karnataka declared Black Fungus an epidemic yet, when seven other states have?
The Karnataka government declared Black Fungus a notified disease five days ago. In this regard, a notice and a circular have been issued. We want the reporting to be done regardless of where it is. The incidents must be reported.
Q. Is there enough stock in Karnataka to inoculate the vaccination programme for people aged 18 to 45 yrs?
For people between the ages of 18 and 45, we are attempting to prioritise frontline workers and priority sectors. Once that is completed, we intend to begin registration for people aged 18 to 45 on 1 June. As the time between the first and second doses has been increased, we will be able to administer the first doses to a greater number of people. According to the new Government of India guidelines, infected people do not need to take a vaccine for three months. Leading doctors have also advocated that infected people should not receive the vaccine for six to nine months.
Q. Covid case management is still an issue, and people are having difficulty finding beds and oxygen. Where does the state fall short?
We are attempting to make the best use of the vaccines that are available by reaching out to people who are not infected so that they can be protected. Keeping the third wave in mind, we want to keep people away from getting infected with the virus. As the supply of vaccinations increases, we will be able to expand to all sections.
Q. The Centre has already stated that the demand for using the entire supply of oxygen manufactured in Karnataka is more or less agreed upon. What is the current status of oxygen in the state?
According to the most recent updates, the demand and supply situation was extremely difficult. To address the challenge, we must implement a variety of measures. Unnecessarily, many people who did not require hospitalisation were admitted. We began the triage process, in which those who truly needed assistance were admitted and those who did not were not admitted. We attempted to make the most of the available beds. Everything was done including the streamlining process, availability of beds, and the strengthening of the system. We faced a lot of problems with the oxygen supply at first but were eventually able to manage the supply, oxygen, and beds. Every short or long distance, wherever the oxygen was supplied, was maintained and we ensured that it was available for everyone.
Q. There is a discussion about establishing a triage centre. What is the situation in Karnataka?
Yes, the number of SOS calls have decreased, and so has the demand for beds. As a result, we can now maintain supply and demand. However, there is still a need for ICU and ventilator beds. In the future, we will most likely need to ensure that there is a system in place for people to access services and that they are used effectively.
Q. What is the strategy for containing Covid-19’s rural spread in Karnataka?
In this direction, the basic foundation is to test early, detect early, treat early, and triage. Home isolation is not an option in rural areas so we have decided that all infected people should be admitted to CCCs (Covid Care Centres), and then to hospitals, if necessary. We will be able to stop the spread if this is done properly.
Q. Karnataka’s Home minister stated that the lockdown will be tightened so how long do you think the lockdown will last?
We must examine the outcome of the lockdown as well as the situation in terms of the number of Covid-19 cases. We will decide how long we need to extend it and how effective it should be based on the situation and our assessment. We will make a decision and announce it on the 23 May, based on the suggestions from all sectors and the technical committee.
Q. In the second wave, 40k children tested positive, and the numbers are expected to rise in the third wave. What kind of steps is the state taking to prepare for the third wave of Covid-19?
We are preparing and putting the infrastructure in place. We are attempting to scale up the existing facility by adding 25% more ICU beds and ventilators, required manpower, oxygen generators, and infrastructure. Within three to four months, the infrastructure should be in place to ensure that future requirements are effectively managed to deal with the third wave.