Pune: After Health Minister Rajesh Tope, who recently conducted series of meetings with officials of Pune administration, the administration has decided to increase 1,100 oxygenated beds.

1,100 beds of the total 2,2000 non-oxygenated beds at the private hospitals will be converted into oxygenated beds till October 30, Divisional Commissioner Saurabh Rao informed on Tuesday. He also stated that required manpower will also be provided to private hospitals along with smooth supply of oxygen.

Pune District Collector Dr Rajesh Deshmukh, Municipal Commissioner Vikram Kumar were also present during the press conference. Rao said that the ‘My Family, My Responsibility’ campaign is being implemented effectively in the district. Under this campaign, over 12 lakh people have been examined in the district. It includes 60,000 senior citizens and those comorbidities.

Efforts are being made by the administration to ensure that there is no shortage of oxygen, ICU beds and ventilators in the district. The number of beds at Sassoon and Jumbo Hospitals will be increased by September 30. Out of 79 per cent beds in private hospitals, 1,769 non-oxygenated beds are available in the jurisdiction of Pune Municipal Corporation. Apart from this, a total of 2,200 oxygen-deprived beds are available in Pimpri-Chinchwad and rural areas. Of these, 1,100 beds will be converted into oxygenated beds.

Health Minister Rajesh Tope has also directed the government-run Sassoon General Hospital to maximise bed capacity by 400 till September 30.

ADEQUATE STOCK OF REMDESIVIR

Although stocks of drugs like Remedesivir and Tocilizumab are limited to curtail the COVID-19 in the state and Pune district, there is adequate stock of Remdesivir injections. A list of distributors has been released.

Strict legal action will be taken against those involved in preventing malpractices in drug distribution District Collector Rajesh Deshmukh said on Tuesday. Suresh Patil, Joint Commissioner, Pune Division, Food and Drug Administration has appealed people to call 1800222365 if they found any distributor selling the injection at an exorbitant price.