PM Modi reviews oxygen supplies as virus cases surge
Death toll rises to 1,74,308 as 1,185 more die; Modi calls for coordination between state governments and ministries
India reported 2,17,353 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, the biggest single-day spike ever, taking the overall tally to 14,291,917 cases on Friday, according to the Health Ministry data.
This is the second consecutive day that the country has registered over 2 lakh cases. On Thursday, the number was 2,00,739.
Also in the last 24 hours, there were 1,185 new COVID-19 fatalities, the second consecutive day with over a thousand deaths.
This took the overall death toll in the country to 1,74,308.
Meanwhile, the daily active cases tally on Friday rose to 15,69,743.
A total of 1,18,302 patients recovered in the same time span, taking the number of recoveries to 1,25,47,866, with a recovery rate of 88.31 per cent.
The Health Ministry said that a total of 14,73,210 samples were tested in the last 24 hours.
So far, 26,34,76,625 samples have been tested in the country.
According to the government data, a total of 27,30,359 people were also vaccinated in the same period, taking the total inoculation count to 11,72,23,509.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday took a comprehensive review to ensure adequate medical grade oxygen supply in the country.
Inputs from ministries such as health, DPIIT, steel, road transport and others were also shared with the Prime Minister.
The prime minister stressed that it is important to ensure synergy across ministries and state governments.
Modi also took a detailed review of the current situation of oxygen supply and projected use in the coming 15 days across 12 high-burden states such as Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Utar Pradesh, Delhi, Chhatisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Haryana and Rajasthan.
An overview of the district-level situation in these states was presented to Modi.
The premier was informed that the Centre and States are in regular contact and estimates for projected demand have been shared with states as on April 20, April 25 and April 30.
In the statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said that accordingly, 4,880 MT, 5,619 MT and 6,593 MT have been allocated to these 12 states for meeting their projected demand as on April 20, April, 25 and April 30, respectively.
“The PM was briefed about production capacity in the country to meet the rising demand,” the PMO said.
Modi suggested increase of oxygen production as per capacity of each plant. Modi urged officials to ensure seamless and free movement of tankers carrying oxygen throughout the country.
“The government has exempted all interstate movement of oxygen tankers from registration of permits to enable easier movement,” the PMO said.
According to statement, the prime minister was informed that states and transporters have been asked to ensure tankers move round the clock with drivers working in shits to ensure faster turnaround and adequate capacity to meet the surge in demand.
Cylinder filling plants will also be permited 24 hour working with necessary safeguards.
“The government is allowing industrial cylinders to be used for medical oxygen ater due purging. Similarly nitrogen and argon tankers will be automatically allowed to be converted to oxygen tankers to overcome the potential shortage of tankers,” it said.
Officers also briefed Modi about the efforts being made to import medical grade oxygen.
Telugu actor-politician Pawan Kalyan, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Prakash Javadekar, Akali Dal MP and former union minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal tested positive for COVID-19.
Hours ater chairing the COVID-19 review meeting, Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa tested positive for COVID-19 on Friday.
He tested positive for the second time in eight months. In August 2020, he was tested COVID-19 positive and had undergone treatment in Manipal hospital.
Meanwhile, actor Vicky Kaushal on Friday evening confirmed that he has tested negative for COVID-19.