India runs low on oxygen supplies as Coronavirus Storm

On Apr 21, 2021

India, the world’s second most populous country run low on oxygen supplies as Coronavirus Storm overwhelm its health system.

Delhi’s government issued a call for help on social media on Wednesday saying major government hospitals only had enough oxygen to last another eight to 24 hours while some private ones had enough for just four or five hours.

India is reporting the world’s highest number of new daily cases and approaching a peak of about 297,000 cases in one day that the United States hit in January.

The GTB hospital, got some oxygen supplies just before it was going to run out of stocks for its 500 patients.

“We had almost lost hope. All of us were in tears when we saw the oxygen tanker arrive,” one doctor said.

The city of 20 million recorded 28,395 new cases and 277 deaths on Tuesday, its highest since the pandemic began. Every third person tested for coronavirus was found positive.

Prime Minister, Narendra Modi said in his address, urging citizens to stay indoors and not panic amid India’s worst health emergency in memory.

“Oxygen demand has increased. We are working with speed and sensitivity to ensure oxygen to all those who need it. The centre, states and private companies, all are working together.

“The situation was manageable until a few weeks ago. The second wave of infections has come like a storm,” Modi said.

India has launched a vaccination campaign but only a tiny fraction of its population has received shots.

Delhi is under a six-day lockdown to try and stem the transmission. The western state of Maharashtra, home to the financial capital Mumbai, also plans to impose a stringent lockdown this week to try to halt the rise in cases.

Kamila/Reuters

Coronavirus oxygen supplies