Mangaluru: 10 PHCs to be converted into “Decentralized Triage Centres”

Mangaluru: Ten urban primary health centres in the city have been declared as decentralized triage centres to facilitate the hospitalization of COVID-19 patients and monitor the health of those who are in home isolation.

In order to prevent an increase in the number of COVID-19 in the State, the government on May 15 has ordered the opening of Decentralized Triage Centres (DTC) in all urban areas.

Accordingly, a circular was issued on May 18 on the establishment of the DTCs within Mangaluru City Corporation limits.

A team of physicians, interns, and final year students from three medical colleges have also been assigned to these health centres. They will be assisted by the physicians in the health centres and ASHA workers.

At present, these medical teams will be visiting the homes of patients who are over 60 years of age and in home isolation.

“About 93% of COVID-19 patients are in home isolation. In case if their health deteriorates they want to be admitted to ICUs. Everyone cannot be assigned an ICU bed on demand. Additionally, patients may not have proper arrangements at home for home isolation. The DTC system is a good step to provide proper care for such patients,” Mayor Premanand Shetty said.