CHANDIGARH
In the wake of surging Covid-19 cases and death toll, Haryana has called for more oxygen than what it has been allocated.
Earlier, the state had been getting 160 MT of medical oxygen. But keeping in view the rising number of Covid cases, the state government demanded that the Union Government extend its quota and was earlier given relief after the Centre approved an additional 72 MT oxygen. However, the current spike has given rise to more troubles for the state.
Divulging information regarding the same, Home Minister Anil Vij said that hospitals in Haryana require nearly 300 MT of oxygen but are getting just 252 MT which constitutes 80% of their requirement. Thus, it is the need of the hour to get the additional oxygen quota, he said.
Apart from this, technical issues continue to emerge as an obstacle in getting the quota.
It is pertinent to mention that the state quota was fixed at 232 MT but after the state government demanded more, the Centre approved an additional quota of 25 MT, amounting to a 257MT oxygen quota.
Anil Vij has also demanded from the Central government that the responsibility and management of oxygen plants be handed over to the army and paramilitary forces. They should take the entire control of plants as the incidents of oxygen thefts continue to occur across the state, he suggested
The state government is working to build 60 oxygen generation plants at government hospitals across Haryana. All private hospitals have been asked to set their own oxygen plants and violation of the order would invite stern action against them.
To control the black marketing of medical equipment, medicines, and other resources, the state government has created a separate helpline. As of now, the team has arrested 40-45 people for the offense.