The government insists oxygen supply is adequate, but logistics is a problem. The HC presumed by instructing GMC to get enough oxygen, deaths would be zero.
Just as process plants do a water balance, we must do an oxygen balance first.
First we need to know how much oxygen is needed. When oxygen concentration levels drop below 90, one needs anywhere from 10 LPM to even 60LPM.
Goa’s positive cases number 2800 per day if the last 7-day average is taken. 10 per cent require oxygen, as per experts in Delhi. 280 patients at a mere 10 LPM, works out to 4032000 litres! This increases every day by an additional equivalent amount! Add to this the patients already in hospital.
Oxygen cylinders come in different sizes. Cylinder ZH weighs 14 K. At 15 LPM it lasts for 2 hours 40 minutes while at 5 LPM it lasts 8 hours. To show that oxygen is sufficient, GMC is piping at 5 LPM and below. This does not cure or save the patient but only slows his change to severe and irreversible trauma. Oxygen supply lasts longer when you then increase the flow to 20 LPM.
GMC claims that while changing cylinders, there is sudden drop in pressure and patients succumb. This may be true but is due to faulty equipment or operation.
All that the government needs is expert guidance in handling the current crisis of oxygen supply. Hope better sense prevails.
