As covid-19 cases surge PM Modi checks medical oxygen availability status

Today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was briefed on the government's efforts to procure medical grade oxygen to resolve the demand-supply gap in the midst of a significant increase in coronavirus cases across the nation. PM Modi advised at a review meeting attended by senior officials from several ministries that the output of medical oxygen be scaled up in accordance with the capability of each facility, according to a government release.

For the second day in a row, India registered over 2 lakh coronavirus cases. Several states, including the worst-affected Maharashtra, have reported a shortage of medical oxygen as a result of the massive demand caused by the Covid surge.

Moreover, this review arrives a day after the Centre listed 12 states as having a high Covid "burden": Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana, and Rajasthan. The centre agreed on Thursday that these states will receive 4880 tonnes, 5619 tonnes, and 6593 tonnes of oxygen on April 20, April 25, and April 30.

The centre has also agreed to import oxygen from other countries.

"In response to rising demand for medical oxygen, EG2 (Empowered Group-2) has agreed to issue a tender for the import of 50,000 MT (Metric Tonnes) of medical oxygen." The government statement issued on Thursday read "MOHFW has been instructed to finalise the tender for the same, as well as explore potential sources of import found by MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) missions".

As per the govt, a hundred new hospitals will receive their own oxygen plants from the PM-CARES fund.

At today's meeting, the ministries briefed PM Modi on the district-level situation in these states. The meeting also addressed diverting excess oxygen stocks in steel plants for medical use.

PM Modi instructed officials to ensure the smooth and unhindered movement of tankers carrying oxygen across the world.

Due to the extreme increased Covid caseload, the healthcare infrastructure around the country is under severe strain. There have been warnings of a hospital bed shortage, as well as a lack of critical medications and medical oxygen. Disturbing images of Covid patients in ambulances queuing outside hospitals have appeared in some cities.

Today, India announced over 1100 deaths as a result of the virus.