Lack of oxygen beds a worry in Mysuru

Mysuru: The paucity of high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) beds, which play a key role in keeping the oxygen saturation level among patients with pulmonary disorders, across Mysuru district has become a cause for concern against a backdrop of a recent upsurge in the number of Covid-19 cases and fatalities.
What is more, the lack of sufficient HFNO beds in the district is being cited as one of the reasons for the spike in fatalities in Mysuru.
HFNO treatment is vital to Covid-19 patients with pre-existing respiratory disorders. As on September 2, Mysuru has reported 467 Covid-19 fatalities, and is second only to Bengaluru Urban, where more than 2,000 have succumbed. Reports indicate that there are fewer than 20 HFNO beds available across Mysuru district.
Most patients who have succumbed to the infection in the district complained of respiratory distress towards the end of their battle. Most fatalities reported in both government and private hospitals in Mysuru had pre-existing respiratory conditions, sources said. Meanwhile, data from the Mysuru district health department indicates that only five HFNO beds are available with government hospitals, while there were 86 beds with ventilator facility.
Furthermore, keeping the Covid-19 tally in Mysuru in check has been made difficult by the failure of many private hospitals to reserve 50% of their available beds for Covid patients. Kin of several infected patients have had to run from pillar to post to get a bed. However, private healthcare institutions have set up Covid Care Centres (CCCs) at hotels and other such facilities where asymptomatic and those exhibiting mild symptoms are being treated.
As on September 2, Mysuru has more than 5,700 active cases, but the number of beds available stands at 3,871. Of the 5,700-odd patients, more than 2,000 have chosen to isolate themselves at home, while 2,361 people are receiving treatment at designated hospitals and the care centres.
Mysuru deputy commissioner B Sharat admitted to the shortage of beds with HFNO equipment. He said he had taken charge only last week, and had learnt about this gaping lack. “I have directed the authorities concerned to ensure facilities in the district are commensurate with the number of patients,” said Sharat, adding that he had recently learnt about the amount of oxygen being supplied not being sufficient.
“I have asked the additional DC to ensure sufficient supply of oxygen to hospitals. I am convening a meeting with representatives of private hospitals to talk about reserving beds for Covid-19 patients,” he said, expressing hope of such remedial measures helping the district administration offsetting the shortage in HFNO beds.
No. Of Beds for Covid Patients in Mysuru District
Total
Designated Covid-19 Hospitals
380
661
1,041
Designated Covid Health Care Centres
533
495
1,028
Covid Care Centres
1,142
451
1,893
Source: Health Department, Mysuru district