Deepali Kalia
Vishwajit Rane, Goa Health Mininster said that 26 Covid-19 patients have died between 2 am and 6 am at the Goa Medical College and Hospital and therefore sought High Court to probe the issue to determine the exact cause.
Pramod Sawant, Chief Minister of Goa, stated upon his visit to the hospital that the gap between the “availability of medical oxygen and its supply to Covid 19 wards in the GMCH might have caused some issues for the patients.”
However, he still insisted that there is no shortage of Oxygen supply in the state and said the problem arises when the cylinders don’t reach the needy on time.
Mr Rane, following CM’s visit said only 400 jumbo cylinders were supplied to the hospital when as of May 10 the medical demand of oxygen had been of 1,200 jumbo cylinders. Hence, admitting to the shortfall in the supply of medical oxygen.
He further said. “The High Court should investigate the reasons behind these deaths. The HC should also intervene and prepare a white paper on oxygen supply to the GMCH, which would help to set the things right,”.
He insisted that a team of three nodal officers set up by the state government should monitor Covid 19 treatment at GMCH and report the problems they find to the CM.
As of 11th May, total cases in Goa are 1.22 Lakh and additional 50 deaths by Covid make the death count 1,729.