In Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, eleven Covid19 patients who were admitted in the ICU died at a government hospital after the supply of medical oxygen was disrupted, on Monday evening. These eleven deaths came at a time when India is fighting a deadly second Covid wave and shortage of medical oxygen has emerged as a key challenge.
Inside the wards at SVR Ruia Hospital disturbing visuals were captured, which showed the chaos as medical staff tried to save lives.
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Families of patients alleged that the oxygen supply was disrupted for about 25-45 minutes. On the other hand, an official of Chittoor district said, “there was a five-minute lag in reloading the oxygen cylinder that caused the pressure to drop”, which led to the deaths.
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The official added, “The oxygen supply was restored within five minutes and everything is now normal. We have connected bulk cylinders and there is no reason to worry. A major disaster was averted because of quick action by the medical staff.”
He further stated that the delay in the arrival of oxygen tanker from Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu had triggered the crisis, adding that the hospital has a capacity of over 1,100 beds. He also stated that there are over 100 patients in the ICU, and 400 on oxygen beds. About 30 doctors were immediately rushed into the ICU to attend to the patients, he further commented.
Andhra Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed grief over the incident.
He has directed a detailed investigation to be conducted into the incident.
Jagan has also directed the officials to ensure that such incidents did not recur.
