India is grappling with a shortage of oxygen and other medical supplies due to spiralling COVID-19 cases. In some states, relatives of COVID-19 patients took to the streets after a private hospital claimed a shortage of oxygen. India is among the largest producers of oxygen, medicine and vaccines. Yet deaths are occurring due to lack of oxygen and medicines in the country. Government should direct the industries to increase their oxygen production. India is in the grip of a vicious second wave and an acute oxygen shortage is raising more fears about its overwhelmed health care system. It has led Delhi's high court to publicly criticise the central government for its handling of the oxygen crisis in Delhi. The pandemic was in control in January but the lean period was not used to augment healthcare facilities. And now people are paying a heavy price for it, and are left with a sense of helplessness. Breathlessness has emerged as a major concern among Covid-19 patients during the second wave. The states are begging for more medical oxygen. The country should work to boost oxygen supplies.
