JOIN US10 PHCs in Dakshina Kannada to be upgraded: K Sudhakar
Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said 10 primary health centres (PHCs) located on more than two acres of land in Dakshina Kannada district will be upgraded.
A garden will also be developed in all PHCs by utilising funds under MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Guarantee Scheme). A total of 250 PHCs in Karnataka will be upgraded, he said while presiding over a meeting at DC’s office on Wednesday.
A compound wall will be constructed in 35 out of 66 PHCs. With the guidance of Ayush, medicinal plants garden will be developed in PHCs. Drinking water and toilet facilities should be provided in PHCs, the Minister directed.
Officials from the health and family welfare department should visit at least one PHC. All hospitals should furnish details on TB and other diseases to the district administration. Legal action will be initiated against those who do not adhere to directions. Minister said that Covid-19 vaccines will be administered at 5,000 centres, including PHCs, sub-health centres, taluk hospitals and district hospitals from April 1, to all those above 45 years irrespective of co-morbidities.
People should voluntarily take the vaccination. The vaccine is being administered at 3,000 centres. It will be extended to additional 2,000 centres. Minister expressed displeasure over the poor distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards in the district.
He said only 35% of cards had been issued. The officials should give priority to creating awareness of the scheme. When District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Ramachandra Bayari highlighted vacant post of doctors, specialist doctors in PHCs, Wenlock Hospital, the Minister directed Deputy Commissioner to submit a proposal.
The Covid mortality rate in Dakshina Kannada district may be low at present but that does not mean the officials can let down the guard in the fight against Covid, the Minister said. He urged the district administration to strictly enforce guidelines for travellers from Kerala.
Lack of interest
About 80.95% of the healthcare workers in Dakshina Kannada had availed the first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine. Only 61.62% of the healthcare workers had availed the second dose. A total of 92.77% of front line workers had queued up for the first jab of the vaccine while 49.27% had availed the second dose.
Expressing displeasure over health workers not coming forward to take the vaccine, the Minister said their move does not instil confidence among the public. The department should motivate all health care workers to receive the jab.