Edappadi K Palaniswami, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has called for an all-party meeting on Monday to discuss the oxygen production at the Sterlite plant in Thoothukudi.

This meeting comes after the Supreme Court of India suggested the state government to take over the Sterlite copper unit and use its oxygen production capability for treating Covid-19 patients.

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The Sterlite plant was shut and sealed back in May 2018 after the police firing in an anti-Sterlite protest, which killed 13 people.

The Supreme Court had said on April 23 that people are dying due to lack of oxygen, further asking why the Tamil Nadu government cannot take over the Sterlite copper unit for producing oxygen to treat Covid-19 patients.

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About 10-15% need Oxygen, no need to hoard

In an attempt to address people’s concerns amid the raging second wave of the pandemic in the country, leading health experts said on Sunday that  only about 10-15% case of Covid-19 require oxygen therapy and medicines such as antiviral remdesivir, in a hospital.

Dr Randeep Guleria, director, All India institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, said, “As high as 85-90% Covid-19 positives get mild or no symptoms. Therefore, there no need to hoard injections like remdesivir, or oxygen cylinders as it leads to unnecessary panic buying, and shortages. Most people get mild symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat and need symptomatic treatment along with steam and yoga.”

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Covid-19 symptoms usually last for about a week or 10 days, according to experts. Only about 10-15% of the positive cases run the risk of developing severe infection, with the need for oxygen or other medicines such as steroids and Remdesivir.