Bengaluru : The ashes of 1,000 Covid bodies are waiting to be immersed. Revenue Minister R Ashoka said that currently many were not coming forward to take back the ashes of Covid bodies from cremation grounds for immersion.”We are trying to reach the families but the phone numbers of the relatives are not reachable. We are requesting them to collect the ashes but not many are coming forward due to various difficulties. Hence, the Government has decided to immerse the ashes as per the rituals”, he said.

Testing has not been reduced
Addressing a press conference on Friday, Ashoka said that the demand for oxygenated beds was easing. The opposition parties were blaming that the testing was reduced which was not true. “In fact, the deputy commissioners have been instructed to increase testing in every village. We have also launched a unique concept where the mobile clinics are visiting villages. We have provided adequate PPE kits and medicines for testing and treating people at their homes”, the Revenue Minister said.

Guidelines for Steroid usage
“It is true that I have been receiving a number of phone calls related to black fungus issue. I have held discussions with the officials of health, disaster management and Karnataka State Drugs Logistics and warehousing Society. The rampant usage of steroids is the major reason for the spurt in black fungus cases and hence there is a need to curb the steroid usage. He said there is a need to issue guidelines on the usage of steroids. Hospitals can apply for vials by placing indent and the notification will be issued shortly. Currently, there is no shortage for Remdesivir vials. Earlier, 18,000-20,000 vials were required everyday but now the demand has dropped to 5,000 vials per day. I have already discussed the issue of black fungus medication with Union Minister DV Sadananda Gowda. The Centre will get 10,000 vials tomorrow and we will request the Centre to allocate the maximum vials to Karnataka, Ashoka stated.

Siddaramaiah’s request cannot be entertained
R. Ashoka said that he has received a letter from Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah over holding a meeting with deputy commissioners. “When he was CM, he never allowed any such practice. If he wishes, he can gather news via letter but we cannot allow him for any such meeting which is against the principles of constitution”, Ashoka clarified