Mangaluru: Health Minister Dr K Sudhakar said 10 primary health centres (PHCs) that are established 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), he added.
“A total of 250 PHCs in Karnataka will be upgraded,” the minister 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 the PHCs. Drinking water and toilet facilities should be provided in all PHCs, the Minister directed.
Officials from health and family welfare department should visit at least one PHC. All hospitals should furnish details on TB and other diseases to district administration. Legal action will be initiated against those who do not adhere to directions, he added.
He 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. Vaccine is being administered at 3,000 centres. It will be extended to additional 2,000 centres, Sudhakar said.
Minister expressed displeasure over the poor distribution of Ayushman Bharat cards in the district. He said only 35% cards had been issued. The officials should give priority to creating awareness on the scheme.
When District Health Officer (DHO) Dr Ramachandra Bayari highlighted vacant posts of doctors and specialist doctors in PHCs and 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 district administration to strictly enforce guidelines for travellers from Kerala.
Lack of interest
About 80.95% of the health care workers in Dakshina Kannada had availed first dose of Covid-19 vaccine. Only 61.62 % of the health workers had availed the vaccine. A total of 92.77% front line workers had queued up for first jab of the vaccine while 49.27% had availed second dose.
Expressing displeasure over health workers not coming forward to take vaccine, the Minister said their move does not instill confidence among public. The department should motivate all health care workers to receive the jab.