PANAJI
The Aam Aadmi Party said the oxygen shortage in Goa has turned into a major crisis, and lambasted the BJP Govt for allowing Goans to die simply for want of oxygen. State Convenor Rahul Mhambre said this is nothing less than criminal negligence.
Highlighting the desperate plight of patients, Mhambre said “AAP volunteers are handling distress calls for oxygen at all times of the day and night. They have delivered cylinders to both Govt hospitals as well as Private, and the situation is pathetic in both”.
Mhambre advised the CM to learn from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, recalling how he continuously raised the oxygen issue with the Centre until he finally got the full quota. Mhambre said that like the AAP Govt releases a daily oxygen audit report of oxygen requirement, supplies received and allocated to hospitals, Goa Govt must likewise release such report on daily basis.
Questioning the basis on which patients are being asked to source their own cylinders, Mhambre said “It is unconscionable that the Govt has still not equipped the hospitals with the most basic tools they need to treat the disease, right from oxygen to ventilators. Both doctors and patients are completely helpless”.
Mhambre revealed that there are simply no cylinders available in the market anymore. Even the regulators required to attach the breathing apparatus are in short supply. The price of regulators that were otherwise available for Rs 4500 has shot to Rs 25000 as there is shortage in the market.
“From where are the patients supposed to source oxygen cylinders and regulators? Can the Health Minister please provide us the names and contact numbers of the vendors?”, Mhambre demanded.
Mhambre criticised the Health Minister’s statement two days ago that security has been tightened at GMC and that no external cylinders are being allowed in. Mhambre said this reveals the disturbing fact that the Minister has no clue of the actual situation of the ground, and suggested that Rane should visit the covid hospitals instead of having press conference in 5-star hotels.
Mhambre also cornered the Chief Minister on his claim made on April 24th that the Centre had allocated two oxygen plants for Goa under PM Cares fund. Mhambre reminded the CM of his promise that one of them would be ready within 15 days, and demanded to know why Goans are still dying from oxygen shortage two weeks later.
