Category: Covid -19

** Octocoptered: Bengaluru sees its first Covid vaccine delivery using a drone

The NAL’s octocopter can carry a payload of 15 kg, boasts of a hovering endurance of 40 minutes, and can fly at an operational altitude of 500 metres at a maximum speed of 36 km/hour.

 At precisely 9.53 am on Saturday, the staff at Haragadde Public Health Centre (PHC) in Anekal on Bengaluru’s outskirts were pleasantly surprised to see a multi-copter unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) land at their premises with 50 vials of Covid-19 vaccines and syringes in a special container from Chandapura PHC, in Bengaluru Urban district about six kilometres from Electronics City. The distance of seven kilometres was covered in 10 minutes, instead of the 40 minutes it would have taken by road.

** Now, a handbook for Covid-19 care

Treatment protocol for Covid-19 patients was constantly evolving through the pandemic, Dr CN Manjunath, director, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, said at the release of a ‘Handbook on Complete Covid-19 Care’ recently. 

“This book will be a ready reckoner for clinicians, virologists, immunologists, vaccinologists and postgraduates. The WHO guidelines may not be relevant and we need Indian data as we have our  own phenotype and environment,” Dr Manjunath said, adding that the book must be made available in all critical care units.  In all, 58 doctors of various specialities and health officials, including former Health Commissioner Dr Thrilok Chandra, were present at the release.

** Karnataka ranks third among larger States in administering first dose

Karnataka has administered the third highest number of first doses among larger States in the country. In terms of coverage per million population, Karnataka is in the fifth position.

Contributing 6.2% of the total 100 crore doses administered in the country till Thursday, Karnataka has covered 84.7% (4,15,10,701) of the 4.9 crore eligible population with the first dose. Gujarat has covered 90.2% of its population with one dose, and Madhya Pradesh 89.5%, according to data from CoWIN.

** Exhibition of paintings inspired by Vaccine Depot

Event organised by Gulmohar BAG

Gulmohar BAG (Belgaum Artists Group) will hold an exhibition of landscape paintings of Vaccine Depot at Kalamaharshi K. B. Kulkarni art gallery in Varerkar Natya Sangh in Tilakwadi in Belagavi from October 16 to 20.

As many as 22 members of the group will exhibit more than 50 artworks.

“The idea is to highlight the beauty of Vaccine Depot, which is a major lung space in Belagavi, and the need to preserve it. Citizens are concerned about the ongoing slaughter of trees in the name of development. Apart from being a lung space, Vaccine Depot is also a spot of inspiration for many artists to paint. We feel morally responsible for its upkeep and are highlight the cause in a creative way,” say the artists.

** Varsity doctor feted for his service in combating COVID-19

20,000 doses of vaccines administered to varsity staff and students during when pandemic was at its peak

M.S. Basavaraj, Chief Medical Officer, Health Centre, University of Mysore, on Tuesday urged the people to get vaccinated and also help others get immunized at the earliest as the vaccines are the only effective means for combating COVID-19.

** Oxygen plant that can generate 7.2 lakh litres per day launched at Bengaluru Railway Hospital

 In a major step towards self-sufficiency by the Bengaluru Railway Division, an oxygen plant that can generate up to 7.2 lakh litres of medical oxygen per day was launched on Thursday inside the premises of the Divisional Railway Hospital. It may be recalled that due to huge numbers of railway employees getting affected during the peak of the COVID outbreak, the 50-bed hospital had an acute shortage of medical oxygen and struggled to meet its daily requirement.

** ‘India Today Award to Karnataka as best state in fighting Covid is a big boost’

The award from the India Today group to Karnataka as the Best State in Combating Covid 19 has given a big boost and impetus to work still more, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar said in New Delhi on Sunday.

Addressing the media in New Delhi on Sunday, Dr Sudhakar, who is in Delhi to receive the prestigious ‘India Today Healthgiri Award’ for the State’s extra-ordinary and successful efforts in Covid management from Union Health Minister Mansukh Madaviya on Saturday, said the State Government had taken pro-active steps against the Covid 19 pandemic and had enforced lockdown even before Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced it all over the country last yea

** Young innovator develops a host of apps

At age 14, Prajwal N.H. is a certified Python programmer, Azure AI engineer, and a scrum master. He is also the co-founder of a startup called CloudAttack, a cloud computing company.

The young softech enthusiast has developed six applications that have received recognition at various levels. He recently received confirmation from the ‘India Book of Records’ recognising him as the ‘Youngest certified Azure AI engineer associate’.

** Covid warrior from Bengaluru scales Mt Elbrus in Russia

 If you think that Covid-19 warriors are only health care professionals, think again. There were many who quit their jobs to become dedicated Covid-19 warriors.

Now, as the travel restrictions have eased, they’re all set to pursue their dreams.

One such person is 34-year-old Naveen Mallesh, the founder of TrekNomads, a Bengaluru-based startup .