In view of a possible third wave of Corona, Medical Education Minister Vishwas Kailash Sarang held talks with the Deans and Superintendents of all medical colleges of the state through video conferencing from Mantralaya. He issued instructions to ensure availability of oxygen, bedding, equipment and medicines. Additional Chief Secretary Mohammad Suleman, Commissioner Medical Education Nishant Varwade, Director Medical Education Dr. Ulka Srivastava were present on this occasion.
Minister Sarang informed that approval has been given for works like equipment, pediatrics, ICU, medicines, consumables, testing, availability of oxygen and medical gas pipeline system in 13 medical colleges of the state for Covid management and treatment. About Rs 335 crores are being made available to protect against the possible third wave of Covid. Rs 215 crore 65 lakh is being made available in Emergency Covid Response Package, Rs 63 crore 35 lakh in Disaster Relief Fund, Rs 36 crore for medicines and Rs 20 crore in consumables.
Minister Sarang informed that in addition to the 6765 beds already identified for Covid treatment, 1535 new beds have been expanded in 13 medical colleges of the state. In this way a total of 8300 beds will be available for Covid.
Sarang informed that Medical Gas Pipeline System has been installed at all Covid beds for Covid management. To ensure continuous availability of oxygen in all medical colleges of the state, the existing capacity of LMO has been increased from 271 kiloliters to 395 kiloliters that is an increase of 124 kiloliters. 27 plants of oxygen generation have been set up in medical colleges. 24 thousand 852 LPM oxygen can be generated from these plants. With this, oxygen can be made available to about 3500 beds.
Sarang informed that the decision of decentralized procurement has been taken to facilitate the availability of equipment, medicines and consumables as part of preparation for a possible third wave of Covid. With this, the Dean and the Superintendent will be restored the right to purchase at the local level as per requirement. In view of the emergency situation of Covid during the first and second wave, arrangements for centralized purchase were made from Bhopal level.
The Minister has given instructions to arrange all necessary medicines and consumables for the treatment of Covid. Budget has been made available to all deans and superintendents for all medicines and consumables through virtual limit. Necessary guidelines were also given for the availability of essential materials like PPE kit, N95 mask, gloves, three layer mask, RT PCR kit etc.