Rahul Slams Govt Over ‘Oxygen Shortage, Lack Of ICU Beds’

Patients suffering from the coronavirus disease get treatment at the casualty ward in Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital, amidst the spread of the disease in New Delhi on April 15, 2021

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday slammed the central government over the shortage of oxygen and lack of ICU beds amid rising coronavirus cases. The Congress has been attacking the government over its management of the COVID-19 situation in the country.

“Corona can cause a fall in oxygen level but it’s #OxygenShortage & lack of ICU beds which is causing many deaths. GOI, this is on you,” Gandhi said in a tweet.

According to the Health Ministry, India recorded a single-day rise of 3,32,730 COVID-19 infections and 2,263 fatalities, pushing the tally of cases to 1,62,63,695 and death toll to 1,86,920.

Over the past few days, several hospitals have flagged a crisis of oxygen supply, beds and medicines amid rising Covid cases.

This morning, Sir Ganga Ram hospital in Delhi said, that 25 “sickest patients” died in the last 24 hours. In an SOS at around 8 am, the hospital also said it had oxygen for only two more hours and that 60 more patients are at risk.

“25 sickest patients have died in last 24 hours. Oxygen will last another two hours. Ventilators and BiPAP (ventilators for invasive treatment) not working effectively. Resorting to manual ventilation in ICUs and Emergency. Major crisis likely. Lives of another 60 sickest patients at risk, need urgent intervention,” Ganga Ram’s Director, Medical, said in a statement.

Conditions are equally deplorable, if not worse, in other medical facilities of the National Capital Territory and other states.

Amid the spiralling crisis, states have been bickering with the Centre or other states over the supply of oxygen, vaccine and medicines.

The Supreme Court has asked to see a “national plan” on oxygen supply, essential drugs and method of vaccination and issued notice to the Centre. “We want to see the national plan on this issue,” said Chief Justice of India SA Bobde.