UNENDING OXYGEN STRUGGLE
How much oxygen does Delhi require?
The state government says Delhi needs at least 976 MT every day.
What is the quantity allocated for Delhi?
The Central government allocated 490 MT of medical oxygen to Delhi until Friday. On Saturday, this was enhanced to 590 MT per day
I have an oxygen cylinder and need a refill. Whom do I contact?
While the Delhi government did not respond, the police said there are 13 refilling stations in the Capital where individuals can get their small cylinders refilled. Some of these include: Salasar Gases Phooth Khurd (9560535162); Aggarwal Gases Bawana (9650236000); Shyam Gases Mundka (9350232671); Bhardawaj Gas and Hardware Store (8700418652); Vaibhav Gas Badarpur (9811065787); Vinayak Gas Mayapuri (9810807576), Multan Air Bawana (8826674242).
I am being overcharged for medicines or by an ambulance service or facing harassment at crematorium. Where can I file a complaint?
People can call the Delhi Police Covid-19 helpline number: 23469900
What has the Delhi government said about the oxygen crisis?
Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said that as opposed to the city’s requirement of 976MT of medical oxygen, the Capital has been allotted only 490MT. He alleged the city is not even getting that much. “If we are given what is required, we can add 9,000 beds in the next 24 hours. Yesterday [Friday],312 MT was provided. So as against 976 metric tonnes needed by Delhi, if only 312 metric tonnes are being provided, then how are hi d k ?”
What has the Delhi high court said?
The Delhi HC on Saturday asked the Centre to ensure that Delhi receives the allocated quantity of 490MT oxygen. The court also said that if the direction is not implemented it may
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What about the 21 pressure swing adsorption plants that were to be imported from France by the Delhi government? They have not arrived yet. Delhi government officials said formalities are still being worked out.
What does the Centre say?
The Centre said it has increased allocation to Delhi from time to time. It said it increased Delhi’s oxygen allocation from 378 MT to 480 MT and then to 490 MT. On Saturday, it increased the allocation to 590 MT per day. It further stated that Oxygen Express was approved to Delhi and five tankers were also given from the Central government side. It said it is also coordinating airlifting of tankers and PSA plants from other countries to Delhi through the Indian Air Force
What about the 18 cryogenic tankers the CM said Delhi would import from Thailand?
They have not arrived yet. Delhi government officials said formalities are still being worked out
Has the situation in hospitals improved?
Hospitals say their oxygen stock now lasts till their replenishments arrive, although some smaller facilities said they were still running out before refills were delivered.
What’s behind this supply shortfall?
Neither the Centre nor the Delhi government have been able to arrange transportation for liquid medical oxygen from various plants to Delhi.
I have a Covid-19 patient at home and need an oxygen cylinder. Whom do I contact?
The Delhi government has not set up any central helpline number for the general public to source oxygen cylinders. On Saturday, HT repeatedly asked the Delhi government and the office of the Lieutenant Governor, but neither were able to share a verified official helpline number for the purpose. On Saturday, the Delhi government assigned eight dealers to supply oxygen cylinders to “individuals, any non-covid-19 hospital, nursing homes, ambulances and SOS cylinders for Covid hospitals running low on liquid medical oxygen.” Each of these will have a reserve of 2.1MT each. However, the Delhi government has not made public any contact numbers or addresses for residents to approach these dealers.
What is the situation for new patients?
There are no additional ICU capacities being created for now, and people get critical care support only when existing beds are vacated. Even oxygenated beds for new patients are hard to come by.