Blood storage facility in Bhatkal soon

(Bhatkallys.com News Bureau / Muaz Shabandri)

·        Blood units to be stocked at taluka hospital for critical-care cases

·        Memorandum presented to improve healthcare facilities in Bhatkal

Bengaluru, 25 February, 2018 – Residents of Bhatkal will soon benefit from a dedicated blood storage facility at the local government hospital, according to a senior official from Karnataka Department of Health & Family Welfare.

“We will improve facilities at the Bhatkal taluka government hospital and establish a functioning blood storage facility to provide better critical care at Bhatkal,” said Ajay Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka.

The senior official presented his views at a high-level meeting with a visiting NRI delegation of Rabita Society and Bhatkallys.com.

“We will look into the issue of blood availability at Bhatkal and ensure there is greater transparency,” added Ajay.

A memorandum presented by the visiting delegation called on authorities to provide better facilities. The memorandum noted, “Over the last few months, a series of deaths have resulted from lack of critical care during the 'golden hour'. Recent incidents underscore the long overdue need to set up infrastructure for critical care in Bhatkal.”

The memorandum was presented jointly by Yunus Kazia and Shabandri Mohammed Muaz at a meeting hosted in Bengaluru’s Vikasa Soudha. The meeting was also attended by Dr Kazia Mohammed Ismail, Shabandri Mohammed Mohsin and Mohiaddin Jilani.

Ajay Sethi, 1987 batch Indian Administrative Services cadre officer, assured his support to the delegation and promised action over the next two months.

Yunus Kazia, Secretary General, Rabita Society said, “We are very positive of the assurances provided by the senior health official. The opening of a blood storage facility will be a first-step to improve existing healthcare infrastructure.”

Mohsin Shabandri, Chairman, Bhatkallys.com said, “Our readers have expressed an urgent need to strengthen emergency health in Bhatkal. The phased development of Bhatkal government hospital will benefit everyone in and around Bhatkal.”

A follow-up action plan will be developed over the coming weeks to consolidate the hospital blood storage provisioning.